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1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

jAiiiia  1".  iiECJiwouKTu  i:<  uumek's  cosicaE. 


THE 


LIFE  AND  ADVENTURES 


OF 


JAMES  P.  BECKWOURTH, 


MOUNTAINEER,  SCOUT,  AND  PIONEER, 


AND 


CHIEF  OF  THE   CROW  NATION  OF  INDIANS. 


mittt  fiUusttatfons. 


WRITTEN     FROM     HIS    OWN     DICTATION, 

BY  T.  D.  BONNER. 


//^. 


NEW    YORK: 

HARPER  &    BROTHERS,  PUBLISHERS. 

FRANKLIN     SQUARE. 

1856 


F 


/. 


6520-? 


r 

C  I  0  0 


p 


Entered,  accordinjr  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  tlie  j-ear  one  thousand 
eight  liundred  and  fifly-six,  by 

IIahpek  &  BaoTiiEns, 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  Southern  District 

of  New  York. 


^'^ 


f  K  E  F  A  C  E 


BiniED  amxl  flic  ,nUimc  passes  of  f'-,o  .Slorv,  V„ 
va<la  a,-o  old  men,  who,  whe,i  chikb-en   "sw 
fro,,,  our  erowdcd  scttleme,,,,   a,„l  ,     ,',^  '^' 

eon,c  do-nlciliat::;  ^jft^i^  ''  T  '" 
savages-have  lived  seo.^,  o  "  "  wh!  ^^  """  ,  ":''''"■• 
tellcets  iu  the  constant  strut  cfo  c  ,'"''  ■"•  '"" 
whose  only  pleasural.Ie  .v  v  '^<'"-l»-csorvat,o„  ; 

atorv  to  7nrfi'^;r.o+-       •  ^'-^u]x.iaro,  ijrc par- 

oij  to  pait cpafng  m  new  and  thrilli„iv  advo  ,tnrn  ■ 
Such  men,  whose  simple  talc  would  „.,!„  tr  " 

tjve  creations  of  our  nJost  po  Xt  f  ^i'^;;;- 

tl.e.r  obscure  graves  unnoticed  and  unknown      t 
~s,  whose  braver,  and  self-devotiorti::,  no    r 

« 'etri^::!:^^^^^^^^  "^««  "■•-oo-.  'nd 

"-th-song,  and  bccoriS    ^l^  l^"""^'  '""■ 
ou  the  intellectual  world  ^  ""  >n.p«-s.sio„ 

-t7:Cunr^.«:-^^^^^^^^ 

nations,  and  as  earlv  pioneer  :  the  »  ^'""  ''"'"" 
fteitic  coast,  is  Jam~  cl  trth  S'""  °'""- 
-.nd  startling  personal  adventtut  wl  'h  7  ''T' 
.-■ecord  but  for  the  accident  of    «,  ;"  with"  "" 

-he  mo,.tai,,s  of  California.  wlt:;,^.r^^^^^^^^ 


IV 


I'KEFAC'E. 


ill  llio  man,  and,  ])ationtly  listening  to  Iiis  story,  pro- 
t'cwlcd,  as  it  fell  from  his  lips,  to  put  it  upon  paper. 

'J'his  autobiograjtliy  was  thus  })ro(luced,  and  was  the 
result  of  some  montlis'  labor  in  the  winter  of  1854-55. 
In  prosecuting  the  task,  tlie  autlior  has  in  no  instance 
departed  trom  tlie  story  of  the  narrator,  but  it  was  taken 
ddwn  literally  as  it  was  trom  day  to  day  related.  Beck- 
wourth  kej)t  no  journal,  and,  of  course,  relied  upon  his 
nunnory  alone ;  consequently  dates  arc  often  wanting, 
which  it  was  impossible  to  give  with  accimicy  when 
recurring  to  events  transpiring  in  the  course  of  very 
many  years.  I^cckwourth  is  personally  known  to 
thousands  of  people  "  living  on  both  sides  of  the 
mountains,"  and  also,  from  his  service  under  the  United 
States  government,  has  enjoyed  the  acquaintance  of 
many  officers  of  the  United  States  Army,  who  have 
been  stationed  in  Florida,  Mexico,  and  California.  In 
liis  long  residence  with  the  Indians  he  adopted  their 
habits,  and  was  in  every  respect  conformed  to  their 
ways :  the  consequence  was,  from  his  gv  jat  courage 
and  superior  mental  endowments,  he  rose  rapidly  in 
their  estimation,  and  linally  became  their  chief.  As 
an  Indian,  therefore,  he  speaks  of  their  customs,  and 
describes  their  characteristics ;  and  probably,  from  his 
autobiography,  wc  have  more  interesting  particulars 
tJian  were  ever  before  given  of  the  aborigines. 

Bcckwoiirtli,  after  ten  thousand  adventures,  finally 
bi'came  involved  in  the  stream  that  set  toward  the  Pa- 
cific, and,  almost  unconsciously,  he  established  a  home 
in  one  of  the  pleasant  valleys  that  border  on  Feather 
River.  Discovering  a  pass  in  the  mountains  that 
rreatlv  facilitated  omio:rants  in  reaching*  California,  hi.-; 


ino' 


I'KKFACIC.  ^. 

1.01.S0  L...e.-„m  „  «to,,,,ing.pl,,cc  for  tl.e  wcarv  „ncl  ,\i.- 
VMed  among  then,,  «,k1  no  cloub,  fl,c  aisociations 
<  "i«  I'l-escn.ca  Lave  done  nu.cl.  to  efface  in.s  nalnral 
'l..spos,t>on  (0  wander  and  seeK  e.xeiten.ent  an,on..  ,l,c 
Indian  tribes.  " 

Jn  person  ],e  is  of  medium  I.eioht,  of  slron.^  mu,eu 
!»  power,  ,„ie]c  of  apprei.ension^and,  for  a  ml,  ;;", 
.ve,„-s,  very  aetive.     Kro,n  ids   neclc  is   s.usnnnded  h 
pertoratcd  bnlle,  witl.  „  large  o,,long  bead    a:h  s  <. 
of .  ,  secured  by  a  tbread  of  sinew :  ,lds  amulet  is  jus 
-  1.C  wore  ^t  wldle  ciuef  among  tl,e  (Jrows.     Wit 
except,o„  of  tlds  ,,e  l.as  now  assun.cd  tl,e  Jl 
costume  of  e.vd.zed  Ide,  and,  in  Ids  occasional  visits  to 

tlie  diess  and  mamiers  of  the  refined  gentleman. 

It  .s  unncecssary  to  speak  of  tbe  natural  superioritr 
of  Ins  n„nd :  Ins  autobiography  every  where  display^ 
i  .  H.S  sagacity  ,n  dctcnnining  what  would  please  llu. 
Mians  has  never  been  surpassed;  for  on  ,l,e  most  trv- 

"ge  s  of  the  Inghest  order,  and  probably  no  man  ever 
i.ved  who  has  met  with  more  personal  advent.uen- 
volvtng  danger  to  life,  though  in  this  respect  he  is  not 
an  exception  to  all  mountaineers  and  hunter  W.l  e 
1,>-  engaged  ■„  the  fur  trade  and  taced  the  per  of' an 
unknown  wilderness.  ^ 


CONTENTS. 


CIIAPTKR  I. 
Birth-plac-n  and  Cliildliooil.— Removal  to  St.  Louis Page  VA 

CHAPTER  JI. 

Expedition  to  the  Afincs.— Am  Hunter  to  the  Party.— FirHt  Trii)  to 
New  Orlc-ms.  — Sick  with  Yellow  Fever.  —  Return  Home.  — First 
Trip  to  the  Great  West ,^^ 

CHAPTER  HI. 

Return  from  the  deserted  Pawnee  Villages.— SufTorings  on  the  Way 
-Prospect  of  Starvation.-Fall  in  with  the  Indians  most  opportune- 
ly—Safe Arrival  at  Ely's  Trading-post  at  the  mouth  of  the  Kan- 
""^ 28 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Severe  Suflerings  in  the  Camp.— Grand  Island.— Platte  River— T^n 
the  South  Fork  of  the  Platte.-Thc  Dog,  the  Wolf,  and  the  first 
liuHalo g^ 

CHAPTER  V. 

Suflerings  on  the  Plattc.-Arrive  at  the  Rocky  Mounlains.-Fall  out 
with  General  Ashley.— Horses  again  stolen  by  the  Crow  Indians 
-Sickness  of  our  General.-Rescue  of  the  General  from  a  wound- 
ed Buflalo.  — Remarkable  Rescue  of  the  General  from  the  Green 

River  "  Suck" 

45 

CHAPTER  VI. 

We  separate  into  six  Detachments,  and  start  out.— Trapping  on  Green 
River.— Narrow  Escape  from  a  Massacre  by  the  Arrap-a-hos  —One 
Man  murdered  in  Camp.— Retreat.— Fail  in  with  a  Detachment  of 
our  Company.— Groat  Joy  at  the  Meeting.— Return  of  the  Detach- 
nioiits  to  (!<(<  Plam  of  Rendezvous  at  the  "  Suck" ,>^ 


VIII 


I'ONTIINI'S. 


ClIAPTKll  VII. 

Arrival  of  rjoncral  AhIiIpj-  and  Party. — His  Relation  of  thnir  SufTcr- 
iiijjH  after  ieaviiiff  the  Kciitlezvoiis. — Their  Excursion  to  Salt  I.ake. 
— Fall  in  with  a  Fur  ('onipany  hcforo  unknown  to  theMountainecs. 
— His  final  Fortune,  and  lieturn  to  St.  Louis I'age  70 

CHAPTER  VHI. 

ITncxpcotcd  Return  to  tlie  Rocky  Mountains. — Camp  removed. — Final 
.Success  in  fnidinir  our  parly  in  the  Mountains. — .loyful  Meetinn;. — 
Horses  stolen  by  the  Pun-nak  Indians. — A  IJattle,  and  six  Indians 
killed. — W'c  recapture  our  Horses 9(1 

CHAPTER  IX. 

The  Company  removes  from  Cache  Valley  on  a  Hunting  and  Trapping 
Excursion. — Discovery  of  a  Band  of  Rlack  Feet. — A  r)attlo  ensues 
with  them. — Description  of  the  Battle. — Return  to  Rendezvous. — 
Fulfillment  of  the  Medicine  Chief's  Prophecy 98 

CHAPTER  X. 

fircat  Battle  with  the  Black  Feet. — Departure  of  General  Ashley. — 
His  Farewell  Speech  to  the  Mountaineers. — Removal  of  our  Ren- 
dezvous.— Peace  between  the  Flat  Heads  and  Black  Feet. — Trad- 
ing-post at  their  Village. — I  become  Son-in-law  to  the  Black  Foot 
Chief — Trouble  in  the  Family. — Wife  punished  for  Disobedience. 
— Troubled  Waters  finally  stilled 108 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Removal  of  our  Rendezvous. — Battle  with  our  Friends,  the  Black  Feet. 
— A  Race  for  dear  Life. — Great  Victory  over  the  Grovan  Band  of 
Black  Feet ItJC 

CHAPTER  Xn. 

Departure  from  the  Rendezvous. — Trouble  in  Camp. — Leave  the  Party 
and  Traps. — Arrival  at  the  Crow  Village. — Great  Stir  among  the 
Crows. — .loyfuI  Meeting  with  my  Crow  Parents,  Brothers,  and  Sis- 
ters.— Three  Years  without  seeing  a  White  Man 142 

CHAPTER  XHL 

War  between  the  Crow  Nation  and  other  Indian  Tribes.  —  My  first 
Victory  as  a  Crow  Indian. — A  Melancholy  and  Sentimental  Indian. 
— Indian  Masonry. — Return  to  Camp. — Great  Rejoicing  among  niv 
innumerable  Relatives. — The  Little  Wife 15:! 


•  UNTKNTS. 


IX 


CHAPTKR  XIV 

''V.^lcll  "st"'"  '"  ^''V'r""^""^-'^-^'"^»'-  Cattle  vvul.  tlu- 

cic^l^nnes  "'""'  "^  ''""  ^^■^^"^'^'  i'ort.-Troublc  with  tho 

Page   18!* 

CHAPTER  XV. 
Short  Account  of  Pine  Leaf,  the  Crow  Hcroine.-Twcnty  Days"  Iht 
0  wjth  to  Chov..nnes.-KeturM  of  the  Xilia.e  to  the  w     "4l       " 
teountau..s      Letter  fro.u  .M-lvenzie.-ViJit  to  hi«  Tradin,.pns, 

at  the  .Mouth  of  the  \  cllow  fStone .,<,  i 

^(M 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

^?"!""  ""rf  n  ''^^'-''T^^  "'•  ^'luaws.-Battle  with  the  Bhu-k 
1  cc  vvul  the  (  heyennes.-fJreat  Sue-ess  of  the  Crows  in  stealing 
Ho    es.-A  successful  Fall  for  licaver.-Return  to  the  Fort  with 


'-iyo 


CHAPTER  XVH. 
Victory  over  tlie  Cheycnnes.-Treachery  of  the  Snake  Indians.-Lo..s 
of  SIX  Crow  \Varnors^- Victory  over  the  Snakes  and  Utahs.-A 
Mountau.eer  k.lled.-Trouble  in  the  Wigwan..-!  am  dis.raced.- 
Great  Sacnhce  of  my  Father's  Property.-Three  Whipping;  for  vio- 
lating Crow  Morals.-Great  Battle  with  the  Re-ka-ras  .  ......   ol", 

CHAPTER  XVHI. 
Departure  from  the  Fort  with  tlic  Crows.-I  am  elected  First  Coun- 
selor of  the  Aation.-Death  of  the  head  Chief-J  am  appointed 
Successor.— Last  Moments  of  the  Chief o-y 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
Departure  from  the  Fort-Arrival  of  Fitzpatrick  and  Party  at  the 
Crow  V.llage.-IIair-breadth  Escape  from  a  Massacre.-Rescue  and 
Restoration  of  Property  to  the  Owners.-Departure  of  the  Parlv  - 
My  Return  to  the  Fort.-Escape  from  Black  Feet.-Defeat  .t' ^he 
Crows  .... 

274 

CHAPTER  XX. 
Excursion  to  the  Fort.-Arrival  of  Long  Hair's  Village.-Building  of 
a  new  Medicine  Lodge.-Triumphar.t  Entrance  of  my  little  Wife 
into  the  Lodge.-Attack  on  the  Crow  Village  by  the  Siouxs  -Meet 
ing  of  the  two  Crow  Villages.-Visit  of  the  Grovans.-\'i.sif  to  the 
GrovauR  and  Fort  Clarke 


X 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

AltacUs  of  t!ic  Black  Feet  on  the  Fort.— Six  White  Men  killed.— 
Abamloiiinont  of  Fort  Cass. — Fort  constructed  at  the  Mouth  of  the 
"  Rose  Bud." — Removal  of  the  Village. — Peace  concluded  with  the 
As-nc-bohies. — Hair-breadth  Escape. — Death  of  Mr.  Hunter,  of  Kcn- 
ti'^^I^y Page  303 

CHAPTER  XXn. 

Mofeniic  Shower.— Its  EiFect  upon  the  Indians.— Their  Sacrifice  to 
the  (rrcai  Spirit. — Continued  Hostilities  with  the  Black  Feet. — A 
Black  I'oot  burned  in  the  Crow  Villafrc. — Visit  to  the  Fort  ...   317 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

Removal  to  our  Tobacco-ground. — Expedition  to  the  Arrap-a-hos  for 
Horsi'S. — Discovered,  and  the  Party  scattered. — Wanderings  for 
fourteen  Months.-  -Return  at  last  amid  tremendous  Rejoicing.  325 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Excursion  to  the  Fort. — Great  Battle  with  the  Cheyenncs  on  the 
Way. — Rejoicing  on  my  Arrival  at  the  Fort. — Horses  stolen  by  the 
Chcycinics. — Pursuit  and  Battle  with  the  Thieves. — Battle  with  the 
Black  Foot. — Return  to  our  Village 336 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

Visit  of  the  whole  Crow  Nation  to  the  Fort. — Seven  Days'  Trading 
and  Jlojoicing.-  -Separation  of  the  Villages. — Expedition  to  the  Ca- 
manchcs.  —  Narrow  Escape  from  their  Village.  —  Battle  with  the 
Black  Feet. — The  Whites  assist  us  with  their  Cannon. — Captured 
by  the  Black  Feet. — Recaptured  by  the  Crows. — Final  Victory.  346 

CHAPTER  XXVI. 

Deputation  from  the  As-ne-boines. — Characteristic  Speech  of  Yellow 
Belly. — Visit  to  the  Fort. — Visit  to  Fort  Union. — Rescue  of  Five 
While  Men  from  Starvation. — Arrival  at  Fort  Cass. — Departure  for 
the  Village. — Visit  of  the  Snakes  to  the  Crows 358 

CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Departure  for  St.  Louis. — Visit  Fort  Union. — Fort  Clarke. — Descend 
to  the  A-rick-a-ra  Country.  —  Am  taken  Prisoner. — Extraordinary 
Means  of  Release. — Reach  St.  Louis. — Scarcely  recognized  by  my 
Sisters. — Changes. — Estrangement  of  Friends. — Sigh  for  my  In- 
iliaii  Home  ....    n7n 


CONTENTS. 


XI 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Page  383 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

404 

CHAPTER  XXX. 
^TnZlv  t  ";"'r— Severe  Sickness  o„  .he  VVay.-ArrivM 

Trade  opened  with  various  Tribes.-Incidenfs  .   .7^""";^",' 

CHAPTER  XXXf 

Alarm  among  afTrade,^  -HveZr  u  n  ",' '°  '^  ''"^'-O'eat 
from  Che  SioLs.-Safnrrival  a.  fhe Xt     T  "''""^''.-^''e'-' 

»-hos.-A„acked.,aChe,e„;;^:rr:rr;rr:5°."^S 

CHAPTER  XXXII 

456 

CHAPTER  XXXni. 

TIic  Californian  Revolution Riflo  r^-^       t.    •  . 

mies.-Colonel  Sut  or      P  Corps^-Position  of  the  two  Ar- 

i-o.     v^oionei  butter.— Cannonade.— Fliffht  of  Sutfnr      u-     u 
turn.-Trial  and  subsequent  Release         ^  S"tter.-H,s  Re- 

406 

CHAPTER  XXXIV. 
Affairs  at  Santa  F6— Insurrection  at  T^nc      n- 

Batue  a.  .Ke  c..n.-u.^it::^'zz:^:!":^ 


Xll 


CONTENTS. 


-A  Mexican   Woman   redeemed   from   the  Indians —Retu 


Santa  Fe 


rn    to 


.Page  483 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 


ic 
at 


Departure  for  California. —Meeting  with  the  Apaches.  —  Hostile 
Threats.— Trouble  with  the  Utahs.— Most  terrible  Tragedy.— Socie- 
ty in  California. — Adventures  with  Grizzly  Bears 499 

CHAPTER  XXXVI. 
Discovery  of  Bcckwourth's  Pass.— No  pecuniary  Reward  for  publ 
Services.— Transformation.— A  new   Character.  —  Emigrants   u 
Home  and  at  their  Journey's  End.— Description  of  the  Happy  Val 
ley. — Interesting  Reminiscence 5 14 

CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

Mistakes  regarding  the  Character  of  the  Indian.— Extent  of  the  West- 
ern Tribes —Their  Character.- How  a  War  against  them  should 
be  conducted.  — Reflections.  — Closing  Address  to  the  Indian  he- 
'0'"e 529 


to 
33 


lie 
e- 
J9 


ic 
at 
il- 

14 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY 


OF 


JAMES  P.   BECKWOURTE 


CHAPTER  I. 

Birth-place  and  Childhood—Removal  to  St.  Louis. 

I  WAS  born  in  Fredericksburg,  Virginia,  on  the  26th 
of  Apnl  1798.  My  lather's  fan.il/consisted  of  tlUr- 
teen  cluldren,  seven  sons  and  six  daughters.  I  was 
the  thn-d  child,  having  one  sister  and  one  brother  older 
tiian  myself. 

My  father  had  been  an  officer  in  the  Revolutionary 
War,  and  had  held  a  major's  commission.  lie  served 
throughout  that  glorious  struggle  which 

"Raised  the  dignity  or' man, 
And  taught  him  to  be  free.'' 

I  well  recollect  when  a  smaU  boy,  the  frequent  meet- 
ings of  the  old  patriots  at  my  father's  house,  who 
vvould  sit  down  and  relate  the  different  battles  in  which 
they  had  taken  part  during  "those  days  that  tried 
men  s  souls."    According  to  the  custom  of  those  days, 
tlieir  meetings  were  occasionally  enlivened  with  some 
good  old  peacli  brandy;  the  same  kind,  I  presume,  as 
hat  with  which  the  old  Tory  treated  M'Donald  when 
he  delivered  h.s  splendid  eliarger  "  Selim"  to  him  for 
presentation  to  Colonel  Tarleton,  wlucli  circumstance 
was  very  frequently  spoken  of  by  the  old  soldiers.      - 
Often  during  tliese  reminiscences  every  eye  would 


14 


AUTORIOGIJAI'IIV    OF 


dim,  and  tears  course  down  the  checks  of  the  old  vet- 
erans, as  they  thus  fought  their  battles  o'er  again,  and 
recalled  their  sufferings  during  tho  struggles  thej  had 
passed  through. 

My  youthful  mind  was  vividly  impressed  with  the 
stirring  scenes  depicted  by  those  old  soldiers ;  but  time 
and  subsequent  hardship  have  obliterated  most  of  their 
narratives  from  my  memory.  One  incident  I  recollect, 
however,  related  by  my  father,  when  he  formed  one  of 
a  storming  party  in  the  attack  on  Stony  Point  made 
under  General  Wayne. 

When  I  was  but  about  seven  or  eight  years  of  age, 
my  father  removed  to  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  taking  with 
him  all  his  family  and  twenty-two  negroes.  lie  se- 
lected a  section  of  land  between  the  forks  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi and  Missouri  liivers,  twelve  miles  below  St. 
Charles,  which  is  to  this  day  known  as  "Beckwourth's 
Settlement." 

At  this  early  period  of  our  history  (1805-6)  the 
whole  region  of  country  around  was  a  "  howling  wil- 
derness," inhabited  only  by  wild  beasts  and  merciless 
savages.  St.  Louis,  at  that  time,  was  but  a  small 
town,  its  inhabitants  consisting  almost  wholly  of 
French  and  Spanish  settlers,  who  were  engaged  in 
trafficking  with  the  Indians  the  commodities  of  civili- 
zation, such  as  Jire-ivater^  beads,  blankets,  arms,  am- 
munition, &c.,  for  peltry. 

For  protection  against  the  Indians,  who  were  at  that 
time  very  troublesome  and  treacherous,  it  became  nec- 
essary for  the  whites  to  construct  block-houses  at 
convenient  distances.  These  block-houses  were  built 
by  the  united  exertions  of  the  settlers,  who  began  to 
gather  from  all  quarters  since  the  "Jefferson  Purchase" 
had  been  eftected  from  the  French  government.     The 


JAMES   V.    BECKWOURTII. 


15 


i 


settlers  or  inhabitants  of  four  adjoining  sections  would 
unite  and  build  a  block-liouse  in  the  centre  of  their 
possessions,  so  that  in  case  of  alarm  they  could  all  re- 
pair to  it  as  a  place  of  refuge  from  the  savages. 

It  was  necessary  to  keep  a  constant  guard  on  the 
plantations,  and  while  one  portion  of  the  men  were  at 
work,  the  others,  with  their  arms,  were  on  the  alert 
watching  the  wily  Indian.  Those  days  are  still  fresh 
in  mj^  memory,  and  it  was  then  that  I  received,  young 
as  I  was,  the  rudiments  of  my  knowledge  of  the  Indian 
character,  which  has  been  of  such  inestimable  value  to 
me  in  my  subsequent  adventures  among  them. 

There  were  constant  alarms  in  the  neighborhood  of 
some  of  the  block-houses,  and  hardly  a  day  passed 
without  the  inhabitants  being  compelled  to  seek  them 
for  protection.  As  an  illustration  of  our  mode  oi  life, 
I  will  relate  an  incident  that  befell  me  when  about  nine 
years  old. 

One  c?ay  my  father  called  me  to  him,  and  inquired 
of  me  whether  I  thought  myself  man  enough  to  carry 
a  sack  of  corn  to  the  mill.  The  idea  of  riding  a  horse, 
and  visiting  town,  possessed  attractions  which  I  could 
not  resist,  and  I  replied  wiih  a  hearty  affirmative.  A 
sack  of  corn  was  accordingly  deposited  on  the  back  of 
a  gentle  horse  selected  for  the  purpose,  and  "  Young 
Jim"  (as  I  was  called)  was  placed  upon  the  sack,  and 
started  for  the  mill  two  miles  distant.  About  midway 
to  the  mill  lived  a  neighbor  having  a  large  family  of 
children,  with  whom  I  frequently  joined  in  boyish 
sports.  On  my  way  I  rode  joyously  up  to  the  little 
fence  which  separated  the  house  from  the  road,  think- 
ing to  pass  a  word  with  my  little  playmates.  What 
was  my  horror  at  discovering  all  the  children,  eight  in 
number,  from  one  to  fourteen  years  of  age,  lying  in 


IG 


Al  TUlJlUUUAJ'lIi    OF 


various  positions  in  the  door-yard  with  tlieir  throats 
cut,  their  scalps  torn  otT",  and  the  warm  life-blood  still 
oozing  from  tJieir  gaping  wounds !  In  the  door-way 
lay  their  father,  and  near  him  their  mother,  in  the  same 
condition  ;  they  had  all  shared  the  same  fate.  I  found 
myself  soon  back  at  my  father's  house,  but  without 
the  sack  of  corn — how  I  managed  to  get  it  off  I  never 
discovered — and  related  the  circumstance  to  my  father. 
He  immediately  gave  the  alarm  throughout  the  settle- 
ment, and  a  body  of  men  started  in  pursuit  of  the  sav- 
ages wlio  had  perpetrated  this  fearful  tragedy  ;  my  fa- 
ther, with  ten  of  his  own  men,  accompanying  them. 
In  two  days  the  band  returned,  bringing  with  tlicm 
eighteen  Indian  scalps  ;  for  the  backwoodsman  fought 
the  savage  in  Indian  style,  and  it  was  scalp  for  scalp 
between  them. 

The  day  when  I  beheld  the  harrowing  spectacle  of 
my  little  murdered  playmates  is  still  as  fresh  in  my 
memory  as  at  the  time  of  its  occurrence,  and  it  never 
will  fade  from  my  mind.  It  was  the  tirst  scene  of  In- 
dian cruelty  my  young  eyes  had  ever  witnessed,  and  I 
wondered  how  even  savages  could  possess  such  relent- 
less minds  as  to  wish  to  bathe  their  hands  in  the  blood 
of  little  innocents  against  whom  they  could  have  no 
cause  of  quarrel.  But  my  subsequent  experience  has 
better  acquainted  me  with  the  Indian  character,  as  the 
reader  will  leaiu  in  the  course  of  the  following  pages. 

I  also  recollect  a  large  body  of  Indians  assembling 
in  their  war  costume  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  Mis- 
sissippi River,  in  what  is  now  the  State  of  Illinois. 
This  was  at  Portage  de  Soix,  twenty-five  miles  above 
St.  Louis,  and  about  two  miles  from  my  father's  house ; 
and  their  intention  was  to  cut  oif  all  the  white  inhab- 
itants of  the  surrounding  country.      The  alarm  was 


a 


lAMKS    I'.    HKCKWOIRTII. 


I 


given ;  a  large  party  of  the  settlers  collected,  crossed 
the  river,  and  after  a  severe  engagement  defeated  the 
Indians  with  great  loss,  and  frustrated  their  bloody 
purposes. 

Three  days  after  this  battle,  a  woman  came  into  the 
settlement  who  had  been  three  years  captive  among 
the  Indians.  Slie  had  made  her  escape  during  the  con- 
fusion attending  their  defeat,  and  reached  her  friends 
in  safety,  after  they  had  long  supposed  her  dead.  The 
name  of  this  woman  I  do  not  remember,  but  I  have  no 
doubt  tliere  arc  old  settlers  in  that  region  who  yet  rec- 
ollect the  circumstance  and  the  general  rejoicing  with 
which  her  escape  was  celebrated. 

The  news  that  she  brought  was  of  the  most  alarm- 
ing nature.  She  related  ho//  several  of  the  Indian 
tribes  liad  held  a  grand  council,  and  resolved  upon  a 
general  attack  upon  8t.  Louis  and  all  the  surrounding 
country,  witli  the  view  to  butcher  indiscriminately  all 
the  wliite  inhabitants,  French  and  Spanish  excepted. 
This  intelligence  produced  the  greatest  alarm  among 
the  inhabitants,  and  every  preparation  was  made  to 
repel  the  attack.  New  block-houses  were  erected,  old 
ones  repaired,  and  every  thing  placed  in  the  best  pos- 
ture for  defense.  The  Indians  soon  after  appeared  in 
great  force  opposite  St.  Louis.  Blondo,  an  interpreter, 
was  dispatched  across  the  river  to  them,  to  inform  them 
of  the  preparations  made  for  their  reception.  He  in- 
formed them  of  the  intelligence  communicated  by  the 
woman  fugitive  from  their  camp ;  and  represented  to 
them  that  the  people  of  St.  Louis  were  provided  with 
numerous  "big  guns  mounted  on  wagons,"  whicli,  in 
case  of  attack,  could  not  fail  to  annihilate  all  their  war- 
riors. They  credited  Blondo's  tale,  and  withdrew  their 
forces. 


18 


AUTOllIOGUAPIIY   ()!-' 


At  the  period  of  which  I  speak,  the  major  part  of  tlie 
inhabitants  of  St.  Louis  were  French  and  Spanish. 
These  were  on  friendly  terms  with  all  the  Indian 
tribes,  and  wished  to  confine  their  long-established 
trafiic  with  the  lied  men  to  themselves.  For  this  rea- 
son they  discountenanced  the  settlement  of  Americans 
among  them,  as  they  considered  it  an  invasion  of  their 
monopoly  of  the  traffic  with  the  Indians ;  and  St.  Louis 
being  the  grand  trading  depot  for  the  regions  of  the 
"West  and  Northwest,  the  jirotits  derived  from  the  in- 
tercourse were  immense.  The  Indians,  too,  thinking 
themselves  better  dealt  with  by  the  French  and  Span- 
ish, united  with  the  latter  in  their  hostility  to  the  in- 
flux of  the  Americans. 

When  about  ten  years  of  age  I  was  sent  to  St.  Lou- 
is to  attend  school,  where  I  continued  until  the  year 
1812.  I  was  then  apprenticed  to  a  man  in  St.  Louis 
named  George  Casner,  to  learn  the  trade  of  blacksmith. 
(Tliis  man  had  a  partner  named  John  L.  Sutton,  who 
is  yet  a  resident  in  St.  Louis.) 

I  took  to  the  trade  with  some  unwillingness  at  first, 
but  becoming  reconciled  to  it,  T  was  soon  much  pleased 
with  my  occupation.  When  I  had  attained  my  nine- 
teenth year,  my  sense  of  importance  had  considerably 
expanded,  and,  like  many  others  of  my  age,  I  felt  my- 
self already  quite  a  man.  Among  other  indiscretions, 
I  became  enamored  of  a  young  damsel,  which,  leading 
me  into  habits  that  my  boss  disapproved  of,  resulted 
finally  in  a  difficulty  between  us. 

Being  frequently  tempted  to  transgress  my  boss's 
rules  by  staying  from  home  somewhat  late  of  an  even- 
ing, and  finding  the  company  I  spent  my  time  with  so 
irresistibly  attractive  that  I  could  not  bring  myself  to 
obedience  to  orders,  I  gave  way  to  my  passion,  and 


JAMKS    P.    JiECKWOUIlTII. 


lU 


d 


i 


felt  indifferent  whether  my  proceedings  gave  satisfac- 
tion or  otherwise.  One  morning  I  was  assailed  by  my 
principal  in  language  which  I  considered  unduly  harsh 
and  insulting,  and  on  his  threatening  to  dismiss  me  his 
house,  I  was  tempted  to  reply  with  some  warmth,  and 
acknowledge  that  his  doing  so  would  exactly  square 
with  my  wishes. 

Provoked  at  this,  he  seized  a  hammer  and  flung  at 
rae.  I  dodged  the  missile,  and  threw  it  back  at  him 
in  return.  A  scuffle  then  ensued,  in  which  I,  being 
young  and  athletic,  came  off  mi .  ter  of  the  ground,  and, 
accepting  his  polite  dismissal,  walked  straight  to  my 
boarding-house.  But  a  few  moments  elapsed  before 
my  assailant  walked  ii  and  forbade  my  landlady  to 
entertain  me  farther  on  his  account. 

I  replied  that  I  had  plenty  of  money,  and  was  com- 
petent to  pay  my  own  board. 

This  provoked  him  to  a  second  attack,  in  which  he 
again  came  off  worsted. 

Hereupon  resolving  to  leave  the  house,  I  began  to 
prepare  for  my  departure  ;  but,  before  I  had  completed 
my  preparations,  a  one-armed  constable  presented  him- 
self at  the  stairs,  and  demanded  to  see  me.  Well 
knowirg  his  errand,  I  took  a  well-loaded  pistol  in  my 
hand,  and  went  to  meet  him,  assuring  him  that  if  he 
ascended  the  steps  to  capture  me  I  would  shoot  him 
dead.  In  my  exasperated  state  of  mind,  I  really  be- 
lieve I  should  have  executed  my  threat ;  the  consta- 
ble, perceiving  my  resolute  bearing,  after  parleying  a 
while,  went  away.  Feeling  confident  that  he  had  gone 
for  another  officer,  who  I  feared  might  capture  me,  I 
expedited  my  departure,  and,  taking  refuge  in  the  house 
of  a  friend,  concealed  myself  for  three  days,  and  thcu 
shipped  on  board  a  keel-boat,  proceeding  to  the  mines 


20 


Al'TOIUOGJJAIMIV    OF 


on  I''cvor  River.  But  I  was  discovered  by  my  boss 
and  detained,  lie  holding  IiiniHclf  responsible  for  my 
ai)pcaranee  until  my  father's  decision  was  learned. 

Accordingly,  1  went  home  to  my  father,  and  related 
the  difliculty  1  had  recently  had  with  my  master,  lie 
counseled  me  to  return  to  my  apprenticeship,  but  I  de- 
clared my  determination  never  to  be  reconciled  again. 
My  father  then  wished  me  to  set  up  in  business  in  his 
settlement,  but  I  exj)ressed  disinclination,  and  declared 
a  growing  wish  to  travel.  Seeing  my  determination, 
my  fatlier  linally  consented  to  my  departure.  He  ad- 
monished me  with  some  wholesome  precepts,  gave  me 
five  hundred  dollars  in  cash,  together  with  a  good 
horse,  saddle,  and  bridle,  and  bade  me  God  speed  upon 
my  journey. 

Bidding  adieu  to  all  my  friends,  I  proceeded  to  the 
boat  and  went  on  board.  The  object  for  which  the 
boat  was  dispatched  up  the  1^'evcr  Kiver  was  to  make 
a  treaty  with  the  Sac  Indians,  to  gain  their  consent  to 
our  working  the  mines,  at  that  time  in  their  possession. 
Tiie  expedition  was  strictly  of  a  pacific  character,  and 
was  led  by  Colcnel  R.  M.  Johnson.  A  brother  of  the 
coloneFs  accompanied  us,  and  several  other  gentlemen 
went  in  the  boat  as  passengers. 


JAMES    I'.    BECK WUi; Kill. 


21 


CHAPTER  II. 

Expedition  to  the  Mines. — Ain  Hunter  to  the  Party. — First  Trip  to 
New  Orleans.  —  Sick  with  Vcllow  I'evcr.  —  Return  Home.  —  First 
Trip  to  the  Great  West. 

The  expedition  consisted  of  from  s' x  to  eight  boats, 
eaiTying  probably  about  one  hundred  men.  The  par- 
ty in  our  boat  numbered  some  eight  or  ten  men,  among 
whom  were  Colonel  Johnson,  his  son  Darwin  Johnson, 
]\Icssrs.  January,  Simmes,  Kennerley,  and  others,  whose 
names  have  escaped  me.  1  engaged  in  the  capacity  of 
hunter  to  the  party. 

We  pushed  olf,  and  after  a  slow  and  tedious  trip  of 
about  twenty  days,  arrived  at  our  place  of  destination 
(Cralena  of  the  present  day).  We  found  Indians  in 
great  numbers  awaiting  our  disembarkation,  who  were 
already  acquainted  with  the  object  of  our  expedition. 
The  two  tribes.  Sacs  and  Foxes,  received  us  peacea- 
bly, but,  being  all  armed,  they  presented  a  very  formi- 
dable appearance.  There  was  a  considerable  force  of 
United  States  troops  quartered  in  that  region,  under 
the  command  of  Colonel  Morgan,  stationed  in  detach- 
ments at  Prairie  du  Chien,  Rock  Island,  St.  Peter's, 
iind  Des  ]\Ioines. 

After  nine  days'  parleying,  a  treaty  was  effected  with 
them,  and  ratified  by  the  signatures  of  the  contracting 
parties.  On  the  part  of  the  Indians,  it  was  signed  by 
Black  Thunder,  Yellow,  Bank,  and  Keokuk  (father  to 
(he  Keokuk  who  figured  in  the  Blac.'t  Hawk  war). 
On  the  part  of  the  United  States,  Colonels  Morgan  and 
Johnson  attached  their  signatures.     This  negotiation 


22 


Al.TOlJKMiltArilV    Ol 


concludod,  tlic  mines  were  tlicn  first  opened  for  eivil- 
i/xd  enterpriHC. 

During  the  settlement  of  the  preliminaries  of  the 
treaty,  there  was  great  diffieulty  with  the  Indians,  and 
it  was  neeessary  for  each  man  of  our  party  to  he  on  his 
guard  against  any  hostile  attempts  of  the  former,  who 
were  all  armed  to  the  teeth.  On  the  distribution  of 
l)resents,  wliicli  followed  the  conclusion  of  the  treaty, 
consisting  of  casks  of  whisky,  guns,  gunpowder,  knives, 
Markets,  &c.,  there  was  a  general  time  of  rejoicing. 
Pow-wows,  drinking,  and  dancing  diversified  the  time, 
and  a  few  fights  were  indulged  in  as  a  sequel  to  the 
entertainment. 

The  Indians  soon  became  very  friendly  to  me,  and 
I  was  indebted  to  them  for  showing  me  their  choicest 
hunting-grounds.  There  was  abundance  of  game,  in- 
cluding deer,  bears,  wild  turkey,  raccoons,  and  numer- 
ous other  wild  animals.  Frequently  they  would  ac- 
company me  on  my  excursions  (which  always  proved 
eminently  successful),  thus  affording  me  an  opportuni- 
ty of  increasing  my  per=*onal  knowledge  of  the  Indian 
character.  I  have  lived  among  Indians  in  the  Eastern 
and  Western  States,  on  the  Rocky  JMountains,  and  in 
California ;  I  find  their  habits  of  living,  and  their  re- 
ligious belief,  substantially  uniform  through  all  the  un- 
mingled  races.  All  believe  in  the  same  Great  Spirit ; 
all  have  their  prophets,  their  medicine  men,  and  their 
soothsayers,  and  are  alike  influenced  by  the  appear- 
ance of  omens;  thus  leading  to  the  belief  that  the  orig- 
inal tribes  throughout  the  entire  continent,  from  Flori- 
da to  the  most  northern  coast,  have  sprung  from  one 
stock,  and  still  retain  in  some  degree  of  purity  the  so- 
cial constitution  of  their  jmmitive  founders. 

I  remained  in  that  region  for  a  space  of  eighteen 


.lAMKs  1'.  ni:('KW<u;in'ii. 


•It 


inoiitli.s,  occu])yiiig  my  leisure  time  by  working  in  the, 
uiincM.  During  tiii.s  time  I  accunnilutcd  Hevcn  hund- 
red dollars  in  cash,  and,  feeling  myself  to  be  (piite  a 
wealthy  personage,  I  determined  upon  a  return  home. 

]\[y  visit  paid,  I  felt  a  disposition  to  roam  farther, 
and  took  passage  in  the  si  am-boat  Calhoun,  Captain 
Glover,  aljout  to  descend  the  river  to  New  Orleans. 
j\Iy  stay  in  New  Orleans  lasted  ten  days,  during  which 
time  r  was  sick  witli  the  yellow  fever,  which  f  con- 
tracted on  the  way  from  Natchez  to  New  Orleans.  It 
was  midsunmier,  and  I  sought  to  return  home,  hearti- 
ly regretting  1  had  ever  visited  this  unwholesome  place. 
As  my  sickness  abated,  T  lost  no  time  in  making  my 
way  back,  and  remained  under  my  father's  roof  until  J 
had  in  some  measure  recruited  my  forces. 

Being  possessed  with  a  strong  desire  to  sec  the  cel- 
ebrated Kocky  IMountains,  and  the  great  Western  wil- 
derness so  much  talked  about,  I  engaged  in  ( leneral 
Ashley's  Rocky  jMountain  Fur  Company.  The  com- 
pany consisted  of  twenty-nine  men,  who  were  employ- 
ed by  the  Fur  Company  as  hunters  and  trappers. 

We  started  on  the  11th  of  October  with  horses  and 
pack-mules.  Nothing  of  interest  occurred  until  we 
approached  the  Kansas  village,  situate  on  the  Kansas 
Tliver,  when  we  came  to  a  halt  and  encamped. 

Here  it  was  found  that  the  company  was  in  need  of 
horses,  and  General  Ashley  wished  for  two  men  to  vol- 
unteer to  proceed  to  the  Republican  Pawnees,  distant 
three  imndred  miles,  where  he  declared  we  could  obtain 
a  supply.  There  was  in  our  party  an  old  and  expe- 
rienced mountaineer,  named  Moses  Harris,  in  whom 
the  general  reposed  the  strictest  confidence  for  his 
knowledge  of  the  country  and  his  familiarity  with  In- 
dian life.     This  Harris  was  reputed  to  be  a  man  of 


24 


VLTOUlOGKArin    (JF 


"'great  leg,"*  and  capable,  from  liis  long  sojourning  in 
the  mountains,  of  enduring  extreme  privation  and  fa- 
tigue. 

There  seemed  to  be  a  great  reluctance  on  the  part 
of  the  men  to  undertake  in  such  company  so  hazardous 
ji  journey  (for  it  was  now  winter).  It  was  also  whis- 
pered in  the  camp  that  whoever  gave  out  in  an  expe- 
dition with  Karris  received  no  succor  from  him,  but 
was  abandoned  to  his  fate  in  the  wilderness. 

Our  leader,  seeing  this  general  unwillingness,  de- 
sired me  to  perform  the  journey  with  Harris.  Being 
young,  and  feeling  ambitious  to  distinguish  myself  in 
some  important  trust,  I  asked  leave  to  have  a  word 
witli  Harris  before  I  decided. 

Harris  being  called,  the  following  colloquy  took 
2)lacc : 

"  Harris,  I  think  of  accompanying  you  on  this  trip." 

"  Very  well,  Jim,"  he  replied,  scrutinizing  me  close- 
ly, "  do  you  think  you  can  stand  it  ?" 

*'I  don't  know,"  I  answered,  "but  I  am  going  to 
try.  But  I  wish  you  to  bear  one  thing  in  mind  :  if  I 
should  give  out  on  the  road,  and  you  olftei*  to  leave  me 
to  perish,  as  you  have  ''lie  name  of  doing,  if  I  have 
strength  to  raise  and  cock  my  rifle,  I  shall  certainly 
bring  you  to  a  halt." 

Harris  looked  me  full  in  the  eye  while  he  replied, 
"■'Jim,  you  may  precede  me  the  entire  way,  and  take 
your  own  jog.  If  I  direct  the  path,  and  give  you  the 
lead,  it  will  be  your  own  fault  if  you  tire  out." 

"That  satisfies  me,"  I  replied:  "we  will  be  oif  in 
the  morning." 

The  following  morning  wc  prepared  for  departure. 
Each  man  loading  himself  with  twenty-five  pounds  of 

*  J.  e..  a  great  traveler ;  able  to  go  a  great  distance  in  u  Hay. 


JAMES    P.   BECKWOITKTH. 


5y 


in,  suppoi=!inp;  he  would  follow-  I  swam  under  wa- 
ter as  far  as  i  could,  to  avail  myself  of  the  under  cur- 
rent (tliis  mode  is  always  prr.cticed  by  the  Indians  in 
crossing  a  rapid  stream).  I  struck  the  bluff  a  few  Teet 
above  the  general.  After  taking  breath  for  a  moment 
or  tw^o,  I  said  to  him  (by  the  way,  he  was  no  swim- 
mer), "  There  is  only  one  way  I  can  possibly  save 
you,  and  I  may  fail  in  that ;  but  you  must  follow  my 
directions  in  the  most  minute  degree,  or  we  are  certain- 
ly both  lost." 

"Any  thing  you  say,  James,  I  will  follow,"  said  he. 

"  Then,"  I  continued,  "  when  I  Hoat  down  to  you, 
place  your  hands  on  my  shoulder,  and  do  not  take 
hold  of  my  neck.  Then,  when  I  give  you  the  word, 
kick  out  with  all  your  might,  and  we  may  possibly  get 
across." 

I  then  let  myself  down  to  the  general,  who  was 
clinging  to  the  rocks  like  a  swallow.  He  did  as  I  had 
directed,  and  I  started,  he  kicking  in  my  rear  like  the 
stern-wheel  of  a  propeller,  until  I  was  obliged  to  bid 
him  desist ;  for,  with  such  a  double  propelling  power 
as  w^e  produced,  I  could  not  keep  my  mouth  out  of 
water.  We  swam  to  within  a  few  yards  of  the  oppo- 
site shore,  where  the  main  suck  caught  us,  and,  my 
strength  becoming  exhausted,  we  began  slowly  to  re- 
cede from  the  shore  toward  inevitable  death.  At  this 
moment  Fitzpatrick  thrust  a  long  pole  toward  us,  to 
the  end  of  which  he  attached  a  rope  which  the  party 
on  shore  retained  possession  of.  I  seized  the  pole  with 
a  death-grip,  and  we  were  hauled  out  of  our  perilous 
situation ;  a  few  moment's  delay,  and  the  world  had 
seen  the  last  of  us.  • 

After  this  rescue,  the  general  remarked  to  Fitzpat- 
rick, "That  Beckwourth  is  surely  one  of  the  most  sin- 


()(J 


AITOniOrJKAIMlV    OK 


gular  men  1  ever  met.  I  do  not  know  what  to  think 
of  liirn  ;  lie  never  speaks  to  me  excc})t  when  absolute- 
ly unavoidable ;  still,  he  is  the  first  and  only  man  to 
encounter  peril  on  my  behalf.  Three  times  he  has 
now  saved  my  life  when  not  another  man  attempted 
to  succor  me.  He  is  a  problem  I  can  not  possibly 
solve." 

Agreeably  to  previous  arrangement,  on  the  following 
morning  our  company  proposed  to  disperse  in  different 
directions.  While  preparing  to  leave  our  comfortable 
camp  to  take  our  chance  in  the  mountains,  I  happen- 
ing to  be  out  among  the  stock,  the  general  inquired  for 
me,  and  I  was  pointed  out  to  him  where  I  stood. 

"He  is  a  singular  being,"  he  exclaimed;  "he 
knows  we  arc  about  to  separate,  yet  he  does  not  trou- 
ble himself  to  come  and  bid  me  good-by.  I  must  go 
to  him." 

Approaching  me,  he  said,  "James,  we  are  now  about 
to  part ;  these  toilsome  enterprises  in  the  mountains 
are  extremely  hazardous ;  although  I  hope  to  see  you 
again,  perhaps  we  may  never  meet  more.  I  am  un- 
der great  obligations  to  you.  You  have  several  times 
rescued  me  from  certain  death,  and,  by  your  skill  in 
hunting,  you  have  done  great  service  to  my  camp. 
When  my  mind  was  irritated  and  harassed,  I  was  be- 
trayed into  the  use  of  language  toward  you  which  I 
regretted  immediately  after,  and  still  regret.  I  wish 
you  to  forgive  me,  and  desire  to  part  in  friendship.  So 
long  as  you  continue  to  use  the  same  precaution  you 
have  hitherto  used,  I  can  securely  hope  you  will  escape 
all  accident,  and  look  forward  to  meeting  you  again 
under  more  auspicious  circumstances ;"  and  he  con- 
cluded by  bidding  me  good-by. 

I  bade  him  good-by,  and  we  separated. 


JAMES    P.    ItECKWOUKTII. 


25 


provisions,  besides  a  blanket,  rifle,  and  ammunition 
each,  "\ve  started  on  our  journey.  After  a  march  of 
about  thirty  miles,  I  in  advance,  my  companion  bring- 
ing up  the  re  ,r,  Harris  complained  of  fatigue.  V'e 
halted,  and  Iltrris  sat  down,  while  I  built  a  large,  cheer- 
ing fire,  for  the  atmosphere  was  quite  cold.  We  made 
coffee,  and  partook  of  a  hearty  supper,  lightening  our 
packs,  as  we  supposed,  for  the  following  day.  But 
while  I  was  bringing  in  wood  to  build  up  the  fire,  I 
saw  Harris  tioize  his  rifle  in  great  haste,  and  the  next 
moment  bring  down  a  fat  turkey  from  a  tree  a  few  rods 
from  the  camp.  Immediately  reloading  (for  olC  mount- 
aineers never  suffer  tlieir  guns  to  remain  empty  for  one 
moment),  while  I  was  yet  rebuilding  the  fire,  crack 
went  his  rifle  again,  and  down  came  a  second  turkey, 
so  large  and  fat  that  he  burst  in  striking  the  ground. 
We  were  thus  secure  for  our  next  morning's  meal. 
After  we  had  refieshed  ourselves  with  a  hearty  supper, 
my  companion  proposed  that  we  should  kill  each  a 
turkey  to  take  with  us  for  our  next  day's  provision. 
This  we  both  succeeded  in  doing,  and  then,  having 
dressed  the  four  turkeys,  we  folded  ourselves  in  our 
blankets,  and  enjoyed  a  sound  night's  rest. 

The  following  morning  we  breakfasted  off  the 
choicest  portions  of  two  of  the  turkeys,  and  abandoned 
the  remainder  to  the  wolves,  who  had  been  all  night 
prowling  round  the  camp  for  prey.  We  started  for- 
ward as  early  as  possible,  and  advanced  that  day  about 
forty  miles.  My  companion  again  complained  of  fa- 
tigue, and  rested  while  I  made  a  fire,  procured  water, 
and  performed  all  the  culinary  work.  The  selected 
portions  of  last  evening's  turkeys,  with  the  addition  of 
bread  and  coffee,  supplied  us  with  supper  and  breakfast. 

After  a  travel  often  days  we  arrived  at  the  Repub- 

B 


26 


AUTOHIOGKAIMIY    O'' 


lican  Pawnee  villages,  when  what  was  our  consterna- 
tion and  Uifc-'may  to  lind  the  place  entirely  deserted  I 
They  had  rcMioved  to  their  winter  quarters.  We  were 
entirely  out  oi  provisions,  having  expected  to  find 
abundance  at  the  lodges.  We  searched  diligently  for 
tlicir  caches  ([)laces  where  provisions  are  secured),  but 
failed  in  discovering  any.  Our  only  alternative  was 
to  look  for  game,  which,  so  near  to  an  Indian  settle- 
ment, we  were  satisfied  must  be  scarce. 

I  would  break  my  narrative  for  a  while  to  afford 
some  explanation  in  regard  to  the  different  bands  of 
the  Pawnee  tribe ;  a  subject  which  at  the  present  day 
is  but  imperfectly  understood  by  the  general  reader — 
the  knowledge  being  confined  to  those  alone  v/ho,  by 
living  among  them,  have  learned  their  language,  and 
hence  become  acquainted  with  the  nature  of  their  di- 
visional lands. 

The  reader,  perhaps,  has  remarked,  that  1  related  we 
were  on  a  visit  to  Hepublican  Pawnee  villages.  This 
is  a  band  of  the  Pawnee  tribe  of  Indians,  which  is  thus 
divided : 

The  Grand  Pawnee  Band. 

Republican  Pawnee  Band. 

Pawnee  Loups  or  Wolf  Pawnees. 

Pawnee  Pics  or  Tattooed  Pawnees,  and 

Black  Pawnees. 
The  five  bands  constitute  the  entire  tribe.  Each  band 
is  independent  and  under  its  own  chief,  but  for  mutual 
defense,  or  in  other  eases  of  urgent  necessity,  they  unite 
into  one  body.  They  occupy  an  immense  extent  of 
country,  stretching  from  beyond  the  Platte  River  to 
south  of  the  Arkansas,  and,  at  the  time  I  speak  of, 
could  raise  from  thirty  thousand  to  forty  thousand 
warriors.     Like  all  other  Indian  tribes,  they  have 


li 


(( 


(( 


(( 


I 


JAAIES    1\   liECKWOUKTH. 


27 


Ind 

lal 

lite 

lof 

to 

|of, 

Ind 

Ive 


dwindled  away  from  various  causes,  the  small-pox  and 
war  having  carried  them  oft'  by  thousands.  Some  of 
the  hands  have  been  reduced  to  one  half  by  this  fatal 
disease  (in  many  instances  introduced  designedly 
among  them  by  their  civilized  brethren) ;  a  disease 
more  particularly  fatal  to  the  Indians  from  their  entire 
ignorance  of  any  suitable  remedy.  Their  invariable 
treatment  for  all  ailments  being  a  cold-water  immer- 
sion, it  is  not  surprising  tliat  they  are  eminently  un- 
successfid  in  their  treatment  of  the  small-pox.  Horse- 
stealing, practiced  by  one  band  upon  the  other,  leads 
to  exterminating  feuds  and  frequent  engagements, 
wherein  great  numbers  are  mutually  slain. 

The  following  interesting  episode  I  liad  from  the  lips 
of  the  interpreter : 

Some  thirty-two  years  ago,  during  IMonroe's  admin- 
istration, a  powerful  Indian  named  Tiw  Axe^  chief 
counselor  of  the  Pa\\  nee  Loup  band,  went  to  pay  his 
"  Great  Father,"  the  President,  a  visit.  He  was  over 
six  feet  high  and  well  proportioned,  athletic  build,  and 
us  straight  as  an  arrow.  He  was  delegated  to  Wash- 
ington by  his  tribe  to  make  a  treaty  with  his  Great 
Leather. 

Being  introduced,  his  "father"  made  known  to  him, 
through  the  interj)reter,  the  substance  of  his  proposal. 
The  keen-witted  Indian,  perceiving  that  the  proposed 
treaty  "  talked  all  turkey"  to  the  white  man  and  "  all 
crow"  to  his  tribe,  sat  patiently  during  the  reading 
of  the  paper.  The  reading  finished,  he  arose  with  all 
his  native  dignity,  and  in  that  vein  of  true  Indian  elo- 
quence in  which  he  was  unsurpassed,  declared  that 
the  treaty  had  been  conceived  in  injustice  and  brought 
forth  in  duplicity ;  that  many  treaties  had  been  signed 
by  Indians  of  their  "  Great  Father's"  concoction,  where- 


28 


ALTOBIOGllAPIir   OF 


in  they  bartered  away  the  graves  of  their  fathers  for  a 
few  worthless  trinkets,  and  afterward  their  hearts  cried 
at  their  folly ;  that  such  Indians  were  fools  and  women. 
lie  expressed  his  free  opinion  of  the  "  Great  Father," 
and  all  his  white  children,  and  concluded  by  declaring 
that  he  would  sign  no  paper  which  would  make  his 
own  breast  or  those  of  his  people  to  sorrow. 

Accordingly,  Two  Axe  broke  uj)  the  council  abrupt- 
ly, and  returned  to  his  home  without  making  any 
treaty  with  his  "  Great  Father." 


CHAPTER  III. 

Return  from  the  deserted  Pawnee  Villages. — Sullcrings  on  the  Way. 
— Prospect  of  Starvation. — Fall  in  with  the  Indian.s  most  opportune- 
ly.— Safe  Arrival  at  Ely's  Trading-post  at  the  moutli  of  the  Kansas. 

My  companion  and  myself  took  counsel  together 
how  to  proceed.  Our  determination  was  to  make  the 
best  of  our  way  to  the  Grand  Ne-mah-haw  River,  one 
of  the  tributaries  of  the  JMissouri.  We  arrived  at  that 
river  after  nine  days'  travel,  being,  with  the  exception 
of  a  little  coffee  and  sugar,  entirely  without  provisions. 
My  companion  was  worn  out,  and  seemed  almost  dis- 
heartened. I  was  young,  and  did  not  feel  much  the 
worse  for  the  journey,  although  I  experienced  a  vehe- 
ment craving  for  food.  Arrived  at  the  river,  I  left 
Harris  by  a  good  lire,  and,  taking  my  rifle,  went  in 
quest  of  game,  not  caring  what  kind  1  met. 

As  Fortune  would  have  it,  I  came  across  an  elk, 
and  my  rifle  soon  sent  a  leaden  messenger  after  him. 
We  encamped  near  him,  promising  ourselves  a  feast. 
He  was  exceedingly  poor,  however,  and,  hungry  as  we 
were,  we  made  a  very  unsavory  supper  oflf  his  flesh. 


lAMKS    i\    HE(JK\V<Hli'ni. 


29 


Ik, 


} 


The  next  morning  wc  continued  our  journey  down  the 
Nc-mah-haw,  traveling  on  tor  live  days  after  I  had  kill- 
ed the  elk  without  tasting  food.  The  elk  had  been  so 
rank  that  we  carried  no  part  of  him  with  us,  trusting 
to  find  some  little  game,  in  which  wc  were  disappoint- 
ed. Wc  had  thrown  away  our  blankets  to  relieve 
ourselves  of  every  burden  that  would  impede  our  prog- 
ress, which,  withal,  was  extremely  slow. 

On  tlie  fifth  day  we  struck  a  large  Indian  trail, 
which  bore  evident  marks  of  being  fresh.  ^ly  com- 
panion now  gave  entirely  up,  and  threw  himself  to  the 
ground,  declaring  he  could  go  no  farther,  lie  pro- 
nounced our  position  to  be  thirty  miles  from  the  trad- 
ing-post. I  endeavored  to  arouse  him  to  get  uj)  and 
proceed  onward,  but  he  could  only  advance  a  few  rods 
at  a  time.  I  felt  myself  becoming  weak  ;  still,  I  had 
fnitli  that  I  could  reach  Ely's,  if  I  had  no  hinderance  ; 
if  I  lingered  for  Harris,  I  saw  wc  should  both  inevi- 
tably perisli.  He  positively  declared  he  could  advance 
not  a  step  farther ;  he  could  scarcely  put  one  foot  be- 
fore the  other,  and  I  saw  he  was  becoming  bewildered. 

In  the  dilemma  I  said  to  him,  "  Harris,  we  must 
hotli  perish  if  we  stay  here.  If  I  make  tiie  best  of 
my  way  along  this  trail,  I  believe  I  can  reacli  July's 
some  time  in  the  night"  (for  I  was  aware  that  the  In- 
dians, whose  trail  we  were  following,  were  proceeding 
thither  with  their  peltry). 

But  Harris  would  not  listen  to  it. 

"Oh,  Jim,"  he  exclaimed,  "  don't  leave  me;  don't 
leave  me  here  to  die  I     For  God's  sake,  stay  with  me ! " 

I  did  my  best  to  encourage  him  to  proceed ;  I  as- 
sisted him  to  rise,  and  we  again  proceeded  upon  our 
journey. 

I  snw,  by  the  progress  we  were  making,  we  should 


:$(> 


ai:toht()(}rapiiy  of 


never  get  on ;  so  1  told  liim,  if  1  had  to  advance  and 
leave  him,  to  throw  himself  in  the  trail,  and  await  my 
return  on  the  following  day  with  a  good  horse  to  carry 
him  to  the  trading-post.  We  walked  on,  I  a  hundred 
yards  in  advance,  but  I  became  convinced  that  if  I  did 
not  use  my  remaining  strength  in  getting  to  Ely's,  we 
should  both  be  lost. 

Accordingly,  summoning  all  my  forces,  I  doubled 
my  speed,  determined  to  reach  the  post  before  I  stop- 
ped. I  had  not  proceeded  half  a  mile  ere  1  heard  tlie 
report  of  two  rifles,  and,  looking  in  the  direction  of  the 
sound,  1  saw  two  Indians  approaching  with  demonstra- 
tions of  friendship. 

On  reaching  me,  one  of  them  exclaimed,  "You  are 
dead — you  no  live!" 

I  explained  to  him  that  I  had  left  my  companion 
behind,  and  that  we  were  both  nearly  starved  to  death. 
On  this  they  spoke  a  few  words  to  each  other  in  their 
own  language,  and  one  started  off  like  a  race-horse, 
along  the  trail,  while  the  other  returned  with  me  to  my 
companion. 

As  we  approached  him  I  could  hear  him  moaning, 
"IIo,  Jim!  comeback!  comeback!  don't  leave  me!" 

We  went  up  to  him,  and  I  informed  him  that  we 
were  safe ;  that  I  had  met  the  Indians,  and  we  should 
soon  be  relieved. 

After  waiting  abou";  three  hours,  the  rattling  of  hoofs 
was  heard,  and,  looking  up,  we  discovered  a  troop  of 
Indians  approaching  at  full  speed.  In  another  moment 
they  were  by  our  side.  They  brought  with  them  a 
portion  of  light  food,  consisting  of  corn-meal  made  into 
a  kind  of  gruel,  of  which  they  would  give  us  but  a 
small  spoonful  at  short  intervals.  When  Harris  was 
sufficiently  restored  to  mount  a  horse  with  the  assist- 


JAMES   I».   IJECKWOURTII. 


31 


ancc  of  the  Indians,  we  all  started  forward  for  the 
post. 

It  appeared  that  the  two  Indians  whom  I  had  so 
fortunately  encountered  had  lingered  behind  the  main 
party  to  amuse  themselves  with  target-shooting  with 
their  riilcs.  Tlie  one  that  started  along  the  trail  over- 
took the  main  body  at  a  short  distance,  and,  making 
our  case  known  to  them,  induced  them  to  return  to 
our  succor. 

We  encamped  with  them  that  night,  and  they  con- 
tinued the  same  regimen  of  small  periodic  doses  of 
gruel.  Several  times  a  large  Indian  seized  hold  of 
an  arm  of  each  of  us,  and  forced  us  into  a  run  until 
our  strength  was  utterly  exhausted.  Others  of  the 
party  would  then  support  us  on  each  side,  and  urge 
us  on  till  their  own  strength  failed  them.  After  this 
discipline,  a  spoonful  or  two  of  gruel  would  be  admin- 
istered to  us.  This  exercise  being  repeated  several 
times,  they  at  length  placed  before  us  a  large  dish  con- 
taining venison,  bear-meat,  and  turkey,  with  tlie  invi- 
tation to  eat  all  we  wanted.  It  is  unnecessary  to  say 
that  I  partook  of  such  a  meal  as  I  never  remember  to 
have  eaten  before  or  since. 

Early  the  next  day  we  arrived  at  the  trading-post 
of  Ely  and  Curtis,  situate  on  the  Missouri  River,  near 
the  mouth  of  the  Kansas.  As  I  entered  tlie  house, 
I  heard  some  one  exclaim,  *'  Here  comes  Jim  Beck- 
wourth  and  Black  Ha  ■  is,"  the  name  he  went  by  where 
he  was  known. 

Ely  sprang  up  to  welcome  us.  *'  Sure  enough," 
said  he,  "it  is  they;  but  they  look  like  corpses." 

Another  voice  exclaimed,  "Halloo,  Jim  I  what  is 
the  matter  with  you?  Is  it  yourselves,  or  only  your 
ghosts  ?  Come  along  and  take  some  brandy,  any  way ; 
living  or  dead,  you  must  be  dry." 


'A2 


AITOimKSUAI'FCY    Ol' 


Wc  accepted  the  invitation,  and  took  cacli  a  glass, 
wliicli,  in  our  greatly  reduced  state,  quite  overpowered 
us.  Left  to  my  reflections,  I  resolved  that,  it'  1  sur- 
vived ray  present  dangers,  1  would  return  to  civilized 
life.  The  extremities  I  had  been  reduced  to  had  so 
moderated  my  resentments  that,  had  I  encountered  my 
former  dosfi,  1  should  certainly  have  extended  my  hand 
to  him  with  ready  forgiveness. 

The  Indians  we  had  so  opportunely  fallen  in  with 
belonged  to  the  Kansas  band  of  the  Osage  tribe,  and 
were  on  the  way,  as  we  had  surmised,  to  dispose  of 
their  goods  at  the  trading-post.  Their  wares  consist- 
ed principally  of  peltry,  obtained  by  their  sagacity  in 
trapping,  and  their  skill  in  hunting  the  wild  animals 
of  the  plains.  In  purchasing  their  skins  of  them, 
Messrs.  Ely  and  Curtis  rewarded  the  Indians  very  lib- 
erally with  government  atores  for  their  humanity  in 
succoring  us  when  exhausted,  and  as  an  encouragement 
to  relieve  others  whom  they  might  chance  to  find  sim- 
ilarly distressed. 

After  thoroughly  recruiting  at  the  trading-post, 
where  I  received  every  attention  from  Messrs.  Ely  and 
Curtis,  I  started  for  St.  Louis.  On  my  arrival  at  G. 
Chouteau's  trading-post,  I  calculated  the  intervening 
distance  to  St.  Louis,  and  abandoned  my  intention  of 
proceeding  thither,  delaying  my  return  till  the  spring, 
when  the  ice  would  break  up  in  the  Missouri.  Mr. 
Chouteau  engaged  me  to  assist  in  packing  peltries  dur- 
ing the  winter,  at  twenty-five  dollars  per  month. 

When  the  river  was  free  from  ice,  I  took  passage  in 
a  St.  Louis  boat,  and,  after  a  quick  run,  arrived  safe  in 
the  city  early  in  the  evening  of  the  fifth  day. 

Shortly  after  my  arrival  I  fell  in  with  General  Ash- 
ley, who  had  returned  to  the  city  for  more  men.    The 


gcnl 


% 


i 


me 

wIk 

dcclj 

afteil 

tiic 


.JAMKS    I'.  llECKWOUUTrr. 


:i:l 


gcu.ral  was  greatly  surprised  to  sec  nic,  Iic  having 
cone  iuded  that  my  fate  liad  been  the  same  with  hund- 
reds (t*  others,  engaged  to  fur  companies,  who  liad  per- 
ished with  cold  and  starvation.  The  general  informed 
me  that  he  had  engaged  one  hundred  and  twenty  men, 
who  were  already  on  their  road  to  the  mountains,  lie 
declared  I  was  just  the  man  he  was  in  search  of  to  ride 
after  and  overtake  the  men,  and  accompany  them  to 
the  mountains,  and  added  that  I  must  start  the  next 
morning. 

My  feelings  were  somewhat  similar  to  those  of  a 
young  sailor  on  his  return  from  his  first  voyage  to 
sea.  I  liad  achieved  one  trip  to  the  wild  West,  and 
had  returned  safe,  and  now  I  was  desirous  of  spend- 
ing a  long  interval  with  my  father.  I  suffered  the  ar- 
guments of  the  old  general  to  prevail  over  mc,  how- 
ever, and  I  re-engaged  to  him,  with  the  promise  to 
start  on  the  following  morning.  This  afforded  me 
short  time  to  visit  my  friends,  to  whom  I  just  paid  a 
flying  visit,  and  returned  to  the  city  in  the  morning. 

After  attending  to  the  general's  instructions,  and 
receiving  eight  hundred  dollars  in  gold  to  carry  to  Mr. 
Fitzpatrick  (an  agent  of  General  Ashley  then  station- 
ed in  the  mountains),  I  mounted  a  good  horse,  and  put 
on  in  pursuit  of  the  party,  who  were  five  or  six  days' 
journey  in  advance. 

I  may  here  remark  that  the  general  had  been  re- 
cently mnrriod,  and,  feeling  some  reluctance  to  tear 
himself  away  from  the  delights  of  Hymen,  he  sent  me 
on  for  the  performance  of  his  duties.  The  general 
followed  after  in  about  a  week,  and  overtook  the  party 
at  Franklin,  on  the  Missouri. 

It  was  early  May  when  I  commenced  my  journey. 
Unfolding  Nature  presented  so  many  charms  that  my 

B2 


JM 


MTOHKHJHAFMIV    <  H' 


j)rcviouH  suftbrings  were  obliterated  tVom  my  iniinl. 
Tlic  trees  were  clothing  theniselveH  with  freshest  ver- 
dure, flowers  were  unveiling  their  beauties  on  every 
side,  und  birds  were  caroling  their  sweetest  songs  from 
every  bough.  These  sights  and  sounds  struck  more 
pleasantly  upon  my  senses  than  the  Iiowl  of  the  wolf 
and  the  scream  of  the  ])anthcr,  which  assailed  our  cars 
in  the  forests  and  prairies  of  the  wild  West. 

After  being  joined  by  our  general,  we  proceeded  up 
the  ]\rissouri  to  Council  I  Muffs,  and  thence  struck  out 
for  the  J  Matte  country.  Soon  after  our  arrival  on  the 
riatto  we  had  the  great  misfortune  to  lose  nearly  all 
our  horses,  amountin^]j  to  about  two  hundred  head, 
stolen  from  us  by  the  Indians.  \Vc  followed  their 
trail  for  some  time,  but,  deeming  it  useless  to  follow 
mounted  Indians  while  wc  were  on  foot,  our  general 
gave  up  the  pursuit.  Wc  could  not  ascertain  what 
tribe  the  robbers  belonged  to,  but  I  have  since  l)cen 
convinced  they  were  either  the  I-a-tans  or  the  Arrap- 
a-hos. 

Our  general  then  gave  orders  to  return  to  the  ]\Iis- 
Rouri  and  purchase  all.  the  horses  wc  needed,  while  he 
returned  to  St.  Louis  to  transact  some  affairs  of  busi- 
ness, and  possibly  pay  his  devotions  to  his  very  esti- 
mable lady. 

Wc  succeeded  in  obtaining  a  supply  of  horses  after 
retracing  about  two  hundred  miles  of  our  journey,  pay- 
ing for  them  with  drafts  upon  General  Ashley  in  St. 
Louis.  We  then  again  returned  to  our  camp  on  the 
Platte.  This  adventure  occupied  nearly  the  whole 
summer ;  and  we  guarded  against  a  repetition  of  the 
misfortune  by  strictly  watching  the  horses  day  and 
night.  While  a  portion  of  the  company  were  engaged 
in  making  purchase  of  our  second  supply  of  horses,  the 


1  ■• 

Li 


.h\Mm  v,  luxKwuruTii. 


85 


othor  portion  rcniuinoil  on  tlu'  ground  to  hunt  and  trap, 
and  gatlicr  tocjotlmr  a  .'supply  ot'  [)rovision  tor  our  <'Oii- 
Huniption.  Tliiiy  nici  "vvith  oxcjdiirnt  success,  and 
cauglit  a  great  innnbcr  of  bcavcrn  and  otters,  together 
with  a  quantity  of  game. 

General  Ashley  rijoincd  us  in  September,  and  by 
liis  orders  Fitzpatriek  and  a  Robert  Campbell  pro- 
ceeded to  the  Ijoup  fork,  taking  with  them  all  the  men, 
except  eight,  avIio  remained  behind  with  the  general, 
to  ascend  the  Platte  in  (piest  of  the  company  he  left 
there  the  preceding  winter,  from  which  Harris  and  my- 
self had  been  detached  on  our  expedition  to  the  J*aw- 
ncc  camp. 

After  several  days'  travel  we  found  the  company  wc 
were  seeking.  They  were  all  well,  had  been  success- 
ful in  traj)ping,  and  had  made  some  good  trades  with 
straggling  parties  of  Indians  in  the  exchange  of  goods 
for  peltry.  They  had  lured  rather  hard  a  part  of  the 
time,  as  game,  which  was  their  sole  dependence,  was 
often  difficult  to  obtain. 

I  should  here  mention  that  we  found  Harris  in  the 
course  of  our  second  trip,  who  rejoined  our  company, 
well  and  hearty. 

Fur  companies  in  those  days  had  to  depend  upon 
their  rifles  for  a  supply  of  food.  No  company  could 
possibly  caiTy  provisions  sufficient  to  last  beyond  the 
most  remote  white  settlements.  Our  food,  therefore, 
consisted  of  deer,  wild  turkeys  (which  were  found  in 
great  abundance),  bear-meat,  and,  even  in  times  of 
scarcity,  dead  liorses.  Occasionally  a  little  flour,  sug- 
ar, and  coflee  might  last  over  to  the  mountains ;  but 
those  who  held  these  articles  asked  exorbitant  prices 
for  them,  and  it  was  but  few  who  tasted  such  luxuries. 

We  were  now  in  the  buffalo  country,  but  the  In- 


36 


ACTOBKMiKAIMlY    oK 


dians  had  driven  thorn  all  away.  Before  wc  left  the 
settlcmcnits,  our  party  niudc  free  use  of  the  bee-hives, 
pigs,  and  poultry  belonging  to  the  settlers  ;  a  maraud- 
ing practice  commonly  hidulged  in  by  the  mountain- 
eers, who  well  knew  that  the  strength  of  their  party 
secured  them  against  any  retaliation  on  the  part  of  the 
sufferers. 

I'here  were  two  Spaniards  in  our  company,  whom 
we  one  morning  left  behind  ns  to  catch  som  ^  horses 
whi  :h  had  strayed  away  i'rom  the  camp.  The  two  men 
stopped  at  a  house  inhabited  by  a  respectable  white 
woman,  and  they,  seemg  her  without  protection,  com- 
mitted a  disgraceful  assault  upon  her  person.  They 
were  pursued  to  the  camp  by  a  number  of  the  settlers, 
who  made  known  to  us  the  outrage  committed  U})on 
the  woman.  We  all  regarded  the  crime  with  the  ut- 
most abhorrence,  and  felt  mortiiied  that  any  of  our 
party  should  be  guilty  of  conduct  so  revolting.  The 
culprits  were  arrested,  and  they  at  once  admitted  their 
guilt.  A  council  was  called  in  the  presence  of  the  set- 
tlers, and  the  culprits  offered  their  choice  of  two  pun- 
ishments :  either  to  be  hung  to  the  nearest  tree,  or  to 
receive  one  hundred  lashes  each  on  the  bare  back. 
They  chose  the  latter  punishment,  which  was  imme- 
diately inflicted  upon  them  by  four  of  our  party.  Hav- 
ing no  cat-o'-nine-tails  in  our  possession,  the  lashes 
were  inflicted  with  hickory  withes.  Their  backs  were 
dreadfully  lacerated,  and  the  blood  flowed  in  streams 
to  the  ground.  The  following  morning  the  two  Span- 
iards, and  two  of  our  best  horses,  were  missing  from 
the  camp ;  we  did  not  pursue  them,  but,  by  the  tracks 
we  discovered  of  them,  it  was  evident  they  had  started 
for  New  Mexico. 


JAMES    \\    I{i:(;KW()rRTH. 


M 


CIIAPTEU  IV. 

Severe  Sufferings  in  the  Camp. — Grand  Island. — Platte  River. — Vp 
the  South  Fork  of  the  Platte. — The  Dog,  the  Wolf,  and  the  firnt 
Buffalo. 

On  our  arrival  at  tlie  upper  camp,  related  in  the  pre- 
ceding chapter,  we  found  the  men,  twenty-six  in  num- 
ber, reduced  to  short  r.ations,  in  weakly  condition,  nnd 
in  a  discouraged  state  of  mind.  They  had  been  ex- 
pecting the  arrival  of  a  large  company  with  abundant 
supplies,  and  when  we  rejoined  them  without  any  pro- 
visions, they  were  greatly  disappointed.  General  Ash- 
ley exerted  himself  to  infuse  fresh  courage  into  their 
disconsolate  breasts,  well  knowing  himself,  however, 
tliat,  unless  we  could  find  game,  the  chances  were  hard 
against  us. 

We  remained  in  camp  three  or  four  days,  until  wc 
were  well  refreshed,  and  tlien  deliberated  upon  our 
next  proceeding.  Knowing  there  must  be  game  far- 
ther up  the  river,  we  moved  forward.  Our  allowance 
was  half  a  pint  of  flour  a  day  per  man,  which  wc  made 
into  a  kind  of  gruel ;  if  we  happened  to  kill  a  duck 
or  a  goose,  it  was  shared  as  fairly  as  possible.  T  re- 
called to  mind  the  incidents  of  our  Pawnee  expedition. 

The  third  evening  we  made  a  halt  for  a  few  days. 
We  had  seen  no  game  worth  a  charge  of  powder  dur- 
ing our  whole  march,  and  our  rations  were  confined  to 
the  half  pint  of  flour  per  day. 

We  numbered  thirty-four  men,  all  told,  and  a  dull- 
er encampment,  I  suppose,  never  was  witnessed.  jNo 
jokes,  no  fire-side  stories,  no  fun ;  each  man  rose  in 


38 


Al'TOmOGUAlMlY    OF 


the  morning  witli  the  gloom  of"  the  precedhig  night  fill- 
ing his  mind ;  we  huilt  our  fires  and  partook  of  our 
scanty  repast  without  saying  a  word. 

At  last  our  general  gave  orders  for  the  best  hunters 
to  sally  out  and  try  their  fortune.  1  seized  my  rifle 
and  issued  from  the  camp  alone,  feeling  so  reduced  in 
strength  that  my  mind  involuntarily  reverted  to  the 
extremity  I  had  been  reduced  to  with  Harris.  About 
three  hundred  yards  from  camp  I  saw  two  teal  ducks ; 
I  leveled  my  rifle,  and  handsomely  decapitated  one. 
This  was  a  temptation  to  my  constancy ;  and  appetite 
and  conscientiousness  had  a  long  strife  as  to  the  dis- 
posal of  the  booty.  I  reflected  that  it  would  be  but 
an  inconsiderable  trifle  in  my  mess  of  four  hungry 
men,  while  to  roast  and  eat  him  myself  would  give 
me  strength  to  hunt  for  more.  A  strong  inward  feel- 
ing remonstrated  against  such  an  invasion  of  the  rights 
of  my  starving  messmates ;  but  if,  by  fortifying  my- 
self, I  gained  ability  to  procure  something  more  sub- 
stantial than  a  teal  duck,  my  dereliction  would  be  suf- 
ficiently atoned,  and  my  overruling  appetite,  at  the 
same  time,  gratified. 

Had  I  admitted  my  messmates  to  the  argument, 
they  might  possibly  have  carried  it  adversely.  But 
I  received  the  conclusion  as  valid ;  so,  roasting  him 
without  ceremony  in  the  bushes,  I  devoured  the  duck 
alone,  and  felt  greatly  invigorated  with  the  meal. 

Passing  up  the  stream,  I  pushed  forward  to  fulfill 
my  obligation.  At  the  distance  of  about  a  mile  from 
the  camp  I  came  across  a  narrow  deer-trail  through 
some  rushes,  and  directly  across  the  trail,  with  only 
the  centre  of  his  body  visible  (his  two  extremities  be- 
ing hidden  by  the  rushes),  not  more  than  fifty  yards 
distant,  I  saw  a  fine  large  buck  standing.     I  did  not 


I 


I  AMES    P.    HErKWOUHTII. 


m 


Wc'iit  for  a  nearer  shot.  1  fired,  and  broke  his  back. 
I  dispatched  him  by  drawing  ray  knife  across  his 
throat,  and,  having  partially  dressed  him,  hung  him  on 
a  tree  close  by.  J'rocceding  onward,  1  met  a  large 
white  wolf,  attracted,  probably,  by  the  scent  of  the 
deer.  1  shot  him,  and,  depriving  him  of  his  meal,  de- 
voted him  for  a  repast  to  the  camp.  Before  I  return- 
ed, 1  succeeded  in  killing  three  good-sized  elk,  which, 
added  to  the  former,  allbrded  a  pretty  good  display  of 
meat. 

I  then  returned  near  enough  to  the  camp  to  signal 
to  them  to  come  to  my  assistance.  They  had  heard 
the  reports  of  my  rifle,  and,  knowing  that  I  would  not 
waste  ammunition,  had  been  expecting  to  sec  me  re- 
turn with  game.  All  who  were  able  turned  out  to 
my  summons  ;  and  when  they  saw  the  booty  awaiting 
them,  their  faces  were  irradiated  with  joy. 

Each  man  shouldered  his  load ;  but  there  was  not 
one  capable  of  carrying  the  weight  of  forty  pounds. 
The  game  being  all  brought  into  camp,  the  fame  of 
"Jim  Bcckwourth"  was  celebrated  by  all  tongues. 
Amid  all  this  gratulation,  I  could  not  separate  my 
thoughts  from  the  duck  which  had  supplied  my  clan- 
destine meal  in  the  bushes.  I  suffered  them  to  ap- 
pease their  hunger  with  the  proceeds  of  my  toil  before 
I  ventured  to  tell  my  comrades  of  the  offense  I  had 
been  guilty  of.  All  justified  my  conduct,  declaring  my 
conclusions  obvious.  As  it  turned  out,  my  proceed- 
ing was  right  enough  ;  but  if  I  had  failed  to  meet  with 
any  game,  I  had  been  guilty  of  an  offense  which  would, 
ever  after,  have  haunted  me. 

At  this  present  time  I  never  kill  a  duck  on  my 
ranclie,  and  there  are  thousands  of  teal  duck  there,  but 
I  think  of  my  feast  in  the  bushes  while  my  compan- 


40 


AlITOniOGHAlMIV    i)V 


li 


ions  were  fainisliinc^  in  tlio  camp.  Since  tliat  time  1 
have  never  refused  to  share  my  last  shiiHng,  my  last 
biscuit,  or  my  only  blanket  with  a  friend,  and  1  think 
the  recollection  of  that  "  temptation  in  the  wilderness" 
will  ever  serve  as  a  lesson  to  more  constancy  in  the 
future. 

The  day  following  we  started  forward  up  the  river, 
and,  after  progressing  some  four  or  hve  miles,  came  in 
sight  of  plenty  of  deer-sign.  The  general  ordered  a 
halt,  and  directed  all  hunters  out  as  before.  We  sal- 
lied out  in  diftcrent  directions,  our  general,  who  was 
a  good  hunter,  forming  one  of  the  luimber.  At  a  sliort 
distance'  from  the  camp  I  discovered  a  large  buck  pass- 
ing slowly  between  myself  and  the  cam^),  at  about  pis- 
tol-shot distance.  As  I  happened  to  be  standing 
against  a  tree,  he  had  not  seen  me.  I  fired  ;  the  ball 
passed  through  his  body,  and  whizzed  past  the  camp. 
Leaving  him,  I  encountered^  a  second  deer  within  three 
quarters  of  a  mile.  I  sliot  him,  and  hung  him  on  a 
limb.  Encouraged  with  my  success,  I  climbed  a  tree 
to  get  a  fairer  view  of  the  ground.  Looking  around 
from  my  elevated  position,  I  perceived  some  large, 
dark-colored  animal  grazing  on  the  side  of  a  hill,  some 
mile  and  a  half  distant.  1  was  determined  to  have  a 
shot  at  him,  whatever  he  might  be.  I  knew  meat  was 
in  demand,  and  that  fellow,  well  stored,  was  worth 
more  than  a  thousand  teal  ducks. 

I  therefore  approached,  with  the  greatest  precaution, 
to  within  fair  rifle-shot  distance,  scrutinizing  him  very 
closely,  and  still  unable  to  make  out  what  he  was.  I 
could  see  no  horns ;  and  if  he  was  a  bear,  I  thought 
him  an  enormous  one.  I  took  sight  at  him  over  my 
faithful  rifle,  which  had  never  failed  me,  and  then  set 
it  down,  to  contemplate  the  huge  animal  still  farther. 


Fii 


I 


ed 


JAMES    r.    BECKWOIRTll. 


41 


II 


Finally,  I  resolved  to  let  fly ;  taking  good  aim,  I  jnill- 
ed  trigger,  the  rifle  cracked,  and  1  then  made  rapid  re- 
treat toward  the  camp.  After  running  about  two  hund- 
red yards,  and  nearing  nothing  in  movement  behind 
me,  I  ventured  to  look  round,  and,  to  my  great  joy, 
I  saw  the  animal  had  fallen. 

Continuing  my  course  on  to  the  camp,  T  encounter- 
ed the  general,  who,  perceiving  blood  on  my  hands, 
addressed  me,  "Have  you  shot  any  thing,  .rimV" 

I  replied,  "  Yes,  sir." 

"  What  have  you  shot  ?" 

*'  Two  deer  and  something  else,"  I  answered. 

"  And  what  is  the  something  else  f  he  incjuired. 

"I  do  not  know,  sir." 

"What  did  ho  look  like?"  the  general  interroga- 
ted.    "  Had  he  horns  ?" 

"I  saw  no  horns,  sir." 

"What  color  was  the  animal?" 

"You  can  sec  him,  general,"  I  replied,  "by  climb- 
ing yonder  tree." 

The  general  ascended  the  tree  accordingly,  and 
looking  through  his  spy-glass,  which  he  always  car- 
ried, he  exclaimed,  "A  buffalo,  by  heavens!"  and, 
coming  nimbly  down  the  tree,  he  gave  orders  for  us 
to  take  a  couple  of  horses,  and  go  and  dress  the  buf- 
falo, and  bring  him  into  camp. 

I  suggested  that  two  horses  could  not  carry  the 
load ;  six  were  therefore  dispatched,  and  they  all  came 
back  well  packed  with  his  remains. 

There  was  great  rejoicing  throughout  the  camp  at 
such  bountiful  provision,  and  all  fears  of  starvation 
were  removed,  at  least  for  the  present.  The  two  deer 
were  also  brought  in,  besides  a  flne  one  killed  by  the 
general,  and  ducks,  geese,  and  such  like  were  freely 


42 


AITOBTOORAPTIY    OF 


added  Ly  tlic  other  liunters,  wlio  had  taken  a  v  ider 
circuit. 

It  appears  strange  tliat,  although  I  had  traveled 
hundreds  of  miles  in  the  buffalo  country,  this  one  was 
the  tirst  1  had  ever  seen.  The  conviction  weighing 
ujioii  my  mind  that  it  was  a  huge  bear  I  was  approach- 
ing had  so  excited  me  that,  although  within  fair  gun- 
shot, I.  actually  could  not  see  his  horns.  The  general 
and  my  companions  had  many  a  hearty  laugh  at  my 
expense,  lie  often  expressing  wonder  that  my  keen  eye 
could  not,  when  close  to  the  animal,  perceive  the  horns, 
while  he  could  sec  them  plainly  near  two  miles  distant. 

A  severe  storm  setting  in  about  this  time,  had  it 
not  been  for  our  excellent  store  of  provisions  we 
should  most  probably  have  perished  of  starvation. 
There  was  no  game  to  be  procured,  and  our  horses 
were  beginning  to  die  for  want  of  nourishment.  We 
remained  in  this  camp  until  our  provisions  were  all 
expended,  and  our  only  resource  was  the  flesh  of  the 
horses  which  died  of  starvation  and  exposure  to  the 
storm.  It  was  not  such  nutritious  food  as  our  fat 
buftalo  and  venison,  but  in  our  present  circumstances 
it  relished  tolerably  well. 

Were  (General  Ashley  now  living,  he  would  recol- 
lect the  hardships  and  delights  we  experienced  in  this 
expedition. 

When  the  storm  was  expended  we  moved  up  the 
river,  hoping  to  fall  in  with  game.  We,  unfortunately, 
found  but  little  on  our  course.  When  we  had  advanced 
some  twenty  miles  we  halted.  Our  position  looked 
threatening.  It  was  mid-winter,  and  every  thing 
around  us  bore  a  gloomy  aspect.  We  were  without 
provisions,  and  we  saw  no  means  of  obtaining  any. 
At  this  crisis,  six  or  seven  Indians  of  the  Pawnee  Loup 


JAMES    P.  BECKWOTTRTH. 


4;{ 


band  came  into  our  camp.  Knowing  them  to  be  friend- 
ly, we  were  overjoyed  to  see  them..  They  informed 
our  interpreter  that  their  village  was  only  four  miles 
distant,  which  at  once  accounted  for  the  absence  of 
game.  They  invited  us  to  their  lodges,  where  tliey 
could  supply  us  with  every  thing  that  we  needed ; 
but  on  our  representing  to  them  our  scarcity  of  hors(\s, 
and  the  quantity  of  peltry  we  had  no  means  of  pack- 
ing, they  immediately  started  oft'  to  their  village  (our 
interpreter  accompanying  tliem)  in  quest  of  horses,  and 
speedily  returned  with  a  sufticient  number.  Packing 
our  effects,  we  accompanied  tliem  to  their  village,  Two 
Axe,  of  whom  I  have  previously  made  mention,  and  a 
Spaniard  named  Antoine  Behelc,  chief  of  the  band; 
forming  part  of  our  escort. 

Arrived  at  their  village,  which  we  found  well  pro- 
vided with  every  thing  we  needed,  the  Indians  gave 
us  a  hospitable  reception,  and  spread  a  feast  whicli,  as 
they  had  promised,  "  made  all  our  hearts  glad."  Our 
horses,  too,  were  well  cared  for,  and  soon  assumed  a 
more  rotund  appearance.  We  purchased  for  our  fu- 
ture use  beans,  pumpkins,  corn,  cured  meat,  besides 
some  beaver-skins,  giving  them  in  exchange  a  variety 
of  manufactured  goods  used  in  the  Indian  trade,  of 
which  we  had  a  great  plenty.  We  replaced  our  lost 
horses  by  purchasing  others  in  their  stead ;  and  now, 
every  thing  being  ready  for  departure,  our  general  in- 
timated to  Two  Axe  his  wish  to  get  on. 

Two  Axe  objected.  "My  men  are  about  to  sur- 
round the  I  ufi'alo,"  he  said ;  "  if  you  go  now,  you  will 
frighten  them.  You  must  stay  four  days  more,  then 
you  may  go." 

His  word  was  law,  so  we  staid  accordingly. 

Within  the  four  days  appointed  they  made  "the 


44 


Al  TnTMCKJRAIMt^     «H' 


Rurround,''  and  killed  fourteen  hundred  Ijuft'aloe.s.    Tlu^ 

tongues  were  counted  by  (General  Ashley  himself.^  and 

thus  I  ean  guarantee  the  truth  of  the  assertion. 

To  the  reader  unacquainted  with  the  Indian  mode 

of  taking  these  animals,  a  concise  description  may  not 

he  uninteresting, 
o 

There  were  probably  engaged  in  this  Inmt  from  on(»- 
to  two  thousand  Indians,  some  mounted  and  some  on 
foot.  They  encompass  a  large  S})ace  where  the  buffa- 
loes are  contained,  and,  closing  in  around  them  on  all 
points,  form  a  complete  circle.  Their  circle  at  iirst  in- 
closed may  measure  perhajis  six  miles  in  diameter, 
with  an  irregular  circumference  determined  by  tlui 
movements  of  the  herd.  AVlien  "the  surround"  is 
formed,  the  hunters  radiate  from  the  main  body  to  the 
right  and  left  until  the  ring  is  entire.  The  cliief  then 
gives  the  order  to  charge,  which  is  communicated  along 
the  ring  with  the  speed  of  lightning ;  every  man  then 
rushes  to  the  centre,  and  the  work  of  destruction  is  be- 
gun. The  unhappy  victims,  finding  themselves  hem- 
med in  on  every  side,  run  this  way  and  that  in  their 
mad  cftbrts  to  escape.  Finding  all  chance  of  escape 
impossible,  and  seeing  their  slaughtered  fellows  drop 
dead  at  their  feet,  they  bellow  with  affright,  and  in  the 
confusion  that  whelms  them,  lose  all  power  of  resist- 
ance. The  slaughter  generally  lasts  two  or  three 
hours,  and  seldom  many  get  clear  of  the  weapons  of 
their  assailants. 

The  field  over,  the  "  surround"  presents  the  appear- 
ance of  one  vast  slaughter-house.  lie  who  has  been 
most  successful  in  tlie  work  of  devastation  is  cele- 
brated as  a  hero,  and  receives  the  highest  honors  from 
the  "fair  sex,"  while  he  who  has  been  so  unfortunate 
as  not  to  kill  a  buffalo  is  jeered  and  ridiculed  by  the; 


JAMES   1».    IJECKWOUUTII. 


45 


"vvliolc  band.  J'laying,  dressing,  and  preserving  the 
meat  next  engages  their  attention,  and  atibrds  them 
lull  employment  lor  several  ■weeks. 

The  "  surround"  accomplished,  we  received  permis- 
sion from  Two  ^Vxe  to  take  up  our  line  of  march.  Ac- 
cordingly, we  started  along  the  river,  and  had  only  pro- 
ceeded live  miles  from  the  village  when  we  found  that 
tlie  Platte  forked.  Taking  the  south  fork,  we  jour- 
neyed on  some  six  miles,  when  we  encamped.  So  we 
continued  every  day,  making  slow  progress,  some  days 
not  advancing  more  than  four  or  five  miles,  until  we 
had  left  the  Pawnee  villages  three  hundred  miles  in 
our  rear.  We  found  plenty  of  buffalo  along  our  route 
until  we  approached  the  Rocky  Mountains,  when  the 
buffalo,  as  well  as  all  other  game,  became  scarce,  and 
we  had  to  resort  to  the  beans  and  corn  supplied  us  by 
the  Pawnees. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Sufi'firings  on  the  Platte. — Arrive  at  the  Rocky  Mountains. — Fall  out 
with  General  Ashley. — Horses  again  stolen  by  the  Crow  Indians. 
— Sickness  of  our  General. — Rescue  of  the  General  from  a  wounil- 
ed  Bullalo.  —  Remarkable  Rescue  of  the  General  from  the  Grcon 
River  "  Suck." 

Not  finding  any  game  for  a  number  of  days,  we 
again  felt  alarmed  for  our  safety.  The  snow  was  deep 
on  the  ground,  and  our  poor  horses  could  obtain  no 
food  but  the  boughs  and  bark  of  the  cotton-wood  trees. 
Still  we  pushed  forward,  seeking  +o  advance  as  far  as 
possible,  in  order  to  open  a  trade  with  the  Indians, 
and  occupy  ourselves  in  trapping  during  tlte  finish  of 
the  season.    We  were  again  put  upon  reduced  rations, 


40 


AUT(jniU(jHAl'HY    UF 


one  pint  of  beans  per  clay  being  the  allowance  to  a 
mesH  of  four  men,  with  other  articles  in  proportion. 

Jlere  1  had  a  .serious  diflieulty  with  our  general, 
which  arose  in  the  following  manner.  The  general  de- 
sired me  to  slioe  his  horse,  which  1  cheerfully  proceed- 
ed to  do.  1  had  finished  setting  three  shoes,  and  had 
yet  one  nail  to  drive  in  the  fourth,  when,  about  to  drive 
the  last  nail,  the  horse,  which  had  been  very  restless 
during  the  whole  time,  \,  .ihdrew  his  foot  from  me. 
My  patience  becoming  exhausted,  I  iip2)lied  the  ham- 
mer several  times  to  his  belly,  which  is  the  usual  pun- 
ishment inflicted  by  blacksmiths  upon  unruly  horses. 
The  general,  who  was  standing  near,  flew  into  a  vio- 
lent rage,  and  poured  his  curses  thick  and  fast  upon 
me.  Feeling  hurt  at  such  language  from  the  lips  of  a 
man  whom  I  had  treated  like  my  own  brother,  1  retort- 
ed, reminding  him  of  the  many  obligations  he  owed  me. 
ItOid  him  that  his  language  to  me  was  liarsli  and  un- 
merilod ;  that  I  had  thus  far  served  him  faithfully ; 
that  I  had  done  for  him  what  no  other  man  would  do, 
periling  my  life  for  him  on  several  occasions ;  that  I 
had  been  successful  in  killing  game  when  his  men 
were  in  a  state  of  starvation  ;  and,  warming  at  the  re- 
capitulation, I  added,  "There  is  one  more  nail  to  drive, 
general,  to  finish  shoeing  that  horse,  which  you  may 
drive  for  yourself,  or  let  go  undriven,  for  I  will  see  you 
dead  before  I  will  lift  another  finger  to  serve  you." 

But  little  more  was  said  on  either  side  at  that 
time. 

The  next  morning  the  general  gave  orders  to  pack 
up  and  move  on.  He  showed  me  a  worn-out  horse, 
which  he  ordered  me  to  pack  and  drive  along.  I  very 
well  knew  that  the  horse  could  not  travel  far,  even 
without  a  pack. 


t 


.lAlSIKS    P.   IJKCKWOITKTII. 


47 


Still,  iriHuencud  by  the  harsh  language  the  gener- 
al had  addressed  to  me  on  the  previous  day,  I  said, 
'Mieneral,  1  will  ])ack  the  horse,  hut  1  wish  you  to 
understand  that,  whenever  lie  gives  out,  there  1  leave 
him,  horse  and  paek." 

"  Obey  my  orders,  and  let  me  have  none  of  your 
insolence,  sir," said  the  general. 

t  was  satisfied  this  was  imposed  upon  me  for  pun- 
ishment, r,  however,  packed  the  horse  with  two  pigs 
of  lead  and  sundry  small  articles,  and  drove  him  along 
in  the  rear,  the  others  having  started  a  considerable 
time  previous.  The  poor  animal  struggled  on  for 
about  a  mile,  and  then  fell  groaning  under  his  bur- 
den. I  unpacked  him,  assisted  him  to  rise,  and,  re- 
packing him,  drove  him  on  again  in  the  trail  that  the 
others  had  left  in  the  snow.  Proceeding  half  a  mile 
farther,  he  again  fell.  I  went  through  the  same  cere- 
mony as  before,  lie  advanced  a  few  yards,  and  fell  a 
third  time.  Feeling  mad  at  the  general  for  imposing 
such  a  task  upon  me,  my  hands  tingling  with  cold 
through  handling  the  snowy  pack-rojics,  1  seized  my 
hammer  from  the  pack,  and,  striking  with  all  my  pow- 
er, it  penetrated  the  poor  animal's  skull. 

"There," said  I,  "take  that!  I  only  wish  you  were 
General  Ashley." 

"  You  do,  do  you  ?"  said  a  voice  from  tlie  bushes 
on  the  side  of  the  trail. 

I  well  knew  the  voice :  it  was  the  general  himself; 
and  another  volley  of  curses  descended  uninterrupt- 
edly upon  my  head. 

I  was  not  the  man  to  flinch.  "What  I  said  I 
meant,"!  exclaimed,  "and  it  makes  no  odds  whether 
you  heard  it  or  not." 

"  You  are  an  infernal  scoundrel,  and  I'll  shoot  you ;" 


48 


All'OUKJlJKAl'lIV    UF 


and,  suiting  the  action  to  the  word,  he  cocked  liis  piece 
and  leveled  it. 

1  cocked  my  rifle  and  presented  it  also,  and  then 
we  stood  at  bay,  looking  each  other  direct  in  the 
eye. 

"(rcneral,"!  at  length  said,  "you  have  addressed 
language  to  nie  which  I  allow  no  man  to  use,  and,  un- 
less you  retract  that  last  epithet,  you  or  I  must  surely 
die." 

lie  finally  said,  "  I  will  acknowledge  that  it  was 
language  which  never  should  be  used  to  a  man,  but 
when  1  am  angry  I  am  apt  to  speak  hastily.  But," 
he  added,  "1  will  make  you  suffer  for  this." 

"Not  in  your  service,  general,"!  replied.  "You 
can  take  your  horse  now,  and  do  what  you  please  with 
him.     1  am  going  to  return  to  St.  Louis." 

The  general  almost  smiled  at  the  idea. 

"  You  will  play going  back  to  St.  Louis,"  he 

said,  "when,  in  truth,  you  w*ere  afraid  of  beino"  '  illcd 
by  the  Indians,  through  beinff  left  too  far  bchi  ith 
that  old  horse." 

I  left  general,  horse,  and  pack,  and  started  on  to 
overtake  the  advanced  party,  in  order  to  get  my  sad- 
dle-bags before  leaving  them.  Approaching  the  party, 
I  advanced  to  Fitzpatrick  (in  whose  possession  they 
were)  and  addressed  him:  "Hold  up,  Fitzpatrick; 
give  me  my  saddle-bags.  I  am  going  to  leave  you, 
and  return  to  St.  Louis." 

"What !"  exclaimed  he,  "  have  you  had  more  words 
with  the  general  ?" 

"Yes," I  replied,  "words  that  will  never  be  forgiv- 
en— by  Tne,  at  least,  in  this  life.  I  am  bound  to  re- 
turn." 

"Well, "said  he,  "  wait  till  we  encamp,  a  few  hund- 


! 


JAMKS    1*.    BKCKWIUKTII. 


40 


'1 


I 


red  yards  alicad.  Your  tilings  arc  in  the  pack  ;  when 
we  stop  you  can  get  them." 

I  accompanied  them  till  they  cncam})cd ;  then,  tak- 
ing my  goods  from  the  pack,  I  was  getting  ready  to 
return,  when  the  general  came  up. 

Seeing  me  about  to  carry  my  threat  into  execution, 
he  addressed  me:  "Jim,  you  have  ammunition  belong- 
ing to  mc ;  you  can  not  take  t/iat  with  you." 

Luckily,  1  had  plenty  of  my  own,  so  I  delivered  up 
all  in  my  possession  belonging  to  him. 

*'  Sir,"  1  said,  "  as  Fortune  has  favored  me  with 
plenty,  I  deliver  up  yours ;  but,  if  I  had  had  none  of 
my  own,  I  would  have  retamed  a  portion  of  yours,  or 
died  in  the  attempt.  And  it  seems  to  me  that  you 
must  have  a  very  small  soul  tj  sec  a  man  turned 
adrift  without  any  thing  to  protect  him  against  hos- 
tile savages,  or  procure  him  necessary  food  in  travers- 


ing this  wide  wilderness." 


lie  then  said  no  more  to  me,  but  called  Fitzpati'ick, 
and  requested  him  to  dissuade  me  from  leaving.  Fitz- 
patrick  came,  and  exerted  all  his  eloquence  to  deter  mo 
from  going,  telling  me  of  the  great  distance  before  me, 
the  danger  I  ran,  when  alone,  of  being  killed  by  In- 
dians— representing  the  almost  certain  fact  that  I  must 
perish  from  starvation,  lie  reminded  me  that  it  was 
now  jMarch,  and  the  snows  were  already  melting ;  that 
Spring,  with  all  its  beauties,  would  soon  be  ushered  in, 
and  I  should  lose  the  sublime  scenery  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains. 

But  my  mind  was  bent  upon  going ;  all  my  former 
love  for  the  man  was  forfeited,  and  I  felt  I  could  never 
endiu'e  his  presence  again. 

Fitzpatrick's  mission  having  failed,  tlie  general  sent 
a  Frencli  boy  to  intercede,  toward  whom  I  felt  great 

C 


.50 


AI'TUBIOISKAI'IIY    OF 


attaclimcnt.  Jlo  was  named  Baptistc  La  Jcunesse, 
and  was  al)Oiit  seventeen  years  of  age.  I  Iiad  many 
limes  protected  this  lad  from  the  abuse  of  his  coun- 
trymen, and  had  fought  several  battles  on  his  account, 
for  -vvliich  reason  he  naturally  tied  to  mc  for  protection, 
and  had  grown  to  regard  me  in  the  light  of  a  father. 

AViien  this  boy  saw  that  1  was  in  earnest  about 
leaving,  fearing  that  all  attempts  at  persuasion  would 
be  useless,  he  hung  his  nether  lip,  and  appeared  per- 
fectly disconsolate. 

The  general,  calling  this  lad  to  him,  desired  him  to 
come  to  me  and  persuade  mc  from  the  notion  of  leav- 
ing. He  pledged  his  word  to  Baptiste  that  he  would 
say  no  more  to  displease  mc  ;  that  he  would  spare  no 
efforts  to  accommi  date  mc,  anl  offered  mc  free  use  of 
his  horses,  assigning  as  a  reason  for  this  concession 
that  he  was  unwilling  for  word  to  reach  the  States  that 
he  had  suffered  a  man  to  perish  in  the  wilderness 
through  a  little  private  difiiculty  in  the  camp. 

At  this  moment  Le  Pointc  presented  himself,  mani- 
festing by  his  appearance  that  he  had  something  of  im- 
portance to  communicate. 

"General,"  said  he,  "more  than  half  the  men  are 
determined  to  leave  with  Beckwourth ;  they  are  now 
taking  annnunition  from  the  sacks  and  hiding  it  about. 
What  is  to  be  done?" 

"  I  will  do  the  best  I  can."  Then  turning  to  the 
lad,  he  said,  "  I  took  Jim's  ammunition,  thinking  to  de- 
ter him  trom  going;  had  he  insisted  upon  going,  I  should 
have  furnished  him  with  plenty.  Go  now,"  he  added, 
"and  tell  him  I  want  him  to  stay,  but  if  he  insists 
upon  going,  to  take  whatever  he  wants." 

Ba])tiste  left  the  group  which  surrounded  the  gener- 
al, and  made  his  way  to  mc,  with  his  head  inclined. 


"til 
tell 


.)AMi;«    V.   lilX'KWOUKTlI. 


51 


*'Mon  frore,'*  said  the  lad,  addressing  me  as  1  sat, 
*••  the  general  talk  much  good.  He  vant  you  stay.  I 
tell  him  you  no  stay ;  dat  you  en  colore.  I  tell  him  if" 
nion  frere  go,  by  gar,  I  go  too.  lie  say,  you  go  talk 
to  Jim,  and  get  him  stay.  I  tell  you  vat  I  tink.  You 
stay  leetlc  longer,  and  if  de  general  talk  you  bad  one 
time  more,  den  vc  go,  by  gar.  You  take  von  good 
horse,  me  take  von  good  horse  too ;  ve  carry  our  plan- 
kct,  ve  take  some  viande,  and  some  poudre — den  ve 
live.     Ve  go  now — ve  take  noting — den  ve  die." 

T  knew  that  the  boy  gave  good  advice,  and,  foregoing 
my  former  resolve,  I  concluded  to  remain. 

My  decision  was  quickly  communicated  to  the  whole 
camp,  and  the  hidden  parcels  of  ammunition  were  re- 
stored to  their  proper  places.  The  storm  in  the  camp 
ceased,  and  all  were  ready  to  proceed. 

I  have  heard  scores  of  emigrants  (when  stopping 
with  me  in  my  "hermitage,"  in  Beckwourth  Valley, 
California)  relate  their  hair-breadth  escapes  from  In- 
dians, and  various  hardships  endured  in  their  passage 
across  the  Plains.  They  would  dwell  upon  their  per- 
ilous nights  when  standing  guard ;  their  encounters 
with  Indians,  or  some  daring  exploit  with  a  buffalo. 
These  recitals  were  listened  to  with  incredulous  ears ; 
for  there  is  in  human  nature  such  a  love  of  the  mar- 
velous, that  traditionary  deeds,  by  dint  of  repetition, 
become  appropriated  to  the  narrator,  and  the  tales  that 
were  related  as  actual  experience  now  mislead  the 
speaker  and  the  audience. 

AVlien  I  recurred  to  my  own  adventures,  I  would 
smile  at  the  comparison  of  their  sufferings  with  what 
myself  and  other  men  of  the  mountains  had  really  en- 
dured in  former  times.  The  forts  that  now  afford  pro- 
tection to  the  traveler  were  built  by  ourselves  at  the 


52 


AUTOBIOGllAPIIVr   OF 


constant  peril  of  our  lives,  amid  Indian  trib'^s  nearly 
double  their  present  numbers.  Without  wives  and 
children  to  comfort  us  on  our  lonely  way;  without 
well-furnished  wagons  to  resort  to  when  hungry ;  no 
roads  before  us  but  trails  temporarily  made;  our 
clothing  consisting  of  the  skins  of  the  animals  that  had 
fallen  before  our  unerring  rifles,  and  often  whole  days 
on  insufficient  rations,  or  entirely  without  food ;  occa- 
sionally our  whole  party  on  guard  the  entire  night,  and 
our  strength  deserting  us  through  unceasing  watching 
and  fatigue ;  these  are  sufferings  that  made  theirs  ap- 
pear trivial,  and  ours  surpass  in  magnitude  my  power 
of  relation. 

Without  doubt,  many  emigrants  were  subjected  1o 
considerable  hardship,  during  the  early  part  of  the  em- 
igration, by  the  loss  of  cattle,  and  the  Indians  came 
in  for  their  fuU  share  of  blame.  But  it  was  through 
extreme  carelessness  that  so  many  were  lost ;  and 
those  who  have  charged  their  losses  upon  the  Indians 
have  frequently  found  their  stock,  or  a  portion  of  it, 
harnessed  to  wagons  either  far  in  advance  of  them,  or 
lagging  carelessly  in  their  rear.  The  morality  of  the 
whites  I  have  not  found  to  exceed  very  much  that  of 
the  red  man ;  for  there  are  plenty  of  the  former,  belong- 
ing to  trains  on  the  routes,  who  would  not  hesitate  to 
take  an  ox  or  two,  if  any  chance  offered  for  getting 
hold  of  them. 

But  to  return.  At  the  time  when  I  had  concluded 
to  proceed  with  the  party,  we  were  encamped  in  the 
prairie,  away  from  any  stream  (having  passed  the  fork 
of  the  Platte),  and  were  again  in  a  starving  condition. 
Except  an  occasional  hare  or  rabbit,  there  was  no  sign 
of  supplying  ourselves  with  any  kind  of  game. 

We  traveled  on  till  we  arrived  at  Pilot  Butte,  where 


were  i 

was  t 

and  i 

worse 

to  j^ro 

Imnt,  i 

ing  ne 

in  difl 

ing. 

miles  i 

reachcc 

survey 

this  rcj 

ing  fou 

served 

buffalo. 

oveijoy 

opportu 

accclcra 

my  sue 

ened  uf 

be  at  th 

The  I 

to  move 

left,  anc 

goods  tl] 

desired  i 

ter,  and 

The  ] 

(wliich  i 

so  heavi 

but  theii 

the  gene 


JAMES    r.   BECKWOIJRTH. 


.03 


two  misfortunes  befell  us.  A  great  portion  of  our  horses 
were  stolen  by  the  Crow  Indians,  and  General  Asliley 
was  taken  sick,  caused,  beyond  doubt,  by  exposure 
and  insufficient  fare.  Our  condition  was  growing 
worse  and  worse ;  and,  as  a  measure  best  calculated 
to  procure  relief,  we  all  resolved  to  go  on  a  general 
hunt,  and  bring  home  something  to  supply  our  press- 
ing necessities.  All  who  were  able,  therefore,  started 
in  different  directions,  our  customary  mode  of  hunt- 
ing. I  traveled,  as  near  as  I  could  judge,  about  ten 
miles  from  the  camp,  and  saw  no  signs  of  game.  I 
reached  a  high  point  of  land,  and,  on  taking  a  general 
survey,  I  discovered  a  river  whicli  1  had  never  seen  in 
this  region  before.  It  was  of  considerable  size,  flow- 
ing four  or  Ave  miles  distant,  and  on  its  banks  I  ob- 
served acres  of  land  covered  with  moving  masses  of 
buffalo.  I  hailed  this  as  a  perfect  Godsend,  and  was 
overjoyed  with  the  feeling  of  security  infused  by  my 
opportune  discovery.  However,  fatigued  and  weak,  I 
accelerated  my  return  to  the  camp,  and  communicated 
my  success  to  my  companions.  Their  faces  bright- 
ened up  at  the  intelligence,  and  all  were  impatient  to 
be  at  them. 

The  general,  on  learning  my  intelligence,  desired  us 
to  move  forward  to  the  river  with  what  horses  we  had 
left,  and  each  man  to  carry  a  pack  on  his  back  of  the 
goods  that  remained  after  loading  the  cattle.  He  farther 
desired  us  to  roll  up  snow  to  j^rovide  him  with  a  shel- 
ter, and  to  return  the  next  day  to  see  if  he  survived. 

The  men,  in  their  eagerness  to  get  to  the  river 
(which  is  now  called  Green  River),  loaded  themselves 
so  heavily  that  three  or  four  were  left  with  nothing 
but  their  rifles  to  carry.  Though  my  feelings  toward 
the  general  were  still  unfriendly  (knowing  that  he  had 


54 


AlToHKHiKAl'HV  UK 


expressed  sentiments  concerning  me  tJiat  were  totally 
mnncritetl),  1  could  not  reconcile  myself  to  deserting 
him  in  iiis  present  helpless  contlition.  iVccordingly,  I 
informed  him  that  if  he  thought  he  could  endure  the 
journey,  I  would  make  arrangements  to  enable  him  to 
proceed  along  with  the  company. 

He  appeared  charmed  with  the  magnanimty  of  the 
proposal,  and  declared  his  willingness  to  endure  any 
thing  in  reason.  Ilis  consent  obtained,  I  prepared  a 
light  litter,  and,  with  the  assistance  of  two  of  the  un- 
laden men,  placed  him  upon  it,  in  the  easiest  position 
possible ;  then,  attaching  two  straps  to  the  ends  of  the 
litter-bars,  we  threw  them  over  our  shoulders,  and,  tak- 
ing the  bars  in  our  hands,  hoisted  om*  burden,  and  pro- 
ceeded with  all  the  ease  imaginable.  Our  rifles  were 
can'ied  by  the  third  man. 

The  anxiety  of  the  general  to  remain  with  us  pre- 
vented his  giving  utterance  to  the  least  complaint,  and 
we  all  anived  in  good  season  on  the  banks  of  Green 
River.  We  were  rejoiced  to  find  that  our  companions 
who  preceded  us  had  killed  a  tine  buffalo,  and  we 
abandoned  ourselves  that  evening  to  a  general  spirit 
of  rejoicing.  Our  leader,  in  a  few  days,  entirely  recov- 
ered, and  wc  were  thus,  by  my  forethought  in  bringing 
him  with  us,  spared  the  labor  of  a  return  journey. 

Wc  all  feasted  ourselves  to  our  hearts'  content  upon 
the  delicious,  coarse-grained  flesh  of  the  buftalo,  of 
which  there  was  an  unlimited  supply.  There  were, 
besides,  plenty  of  wild  geese  and  teal  ducks  on  the  liv- 
er— the  latter,  however,  I  very  seldom  ventured  to  kill. 

One  day  several  of  us  were  out  Imnting  buffalo,  the 
general,  who,  by  the  way,  was  a  very  good  shot,  being 
among  the  number.  The  snow  had  blown  from  the 
level  prairie,  and  the  wind  had  drifted  it  in  deep  mass- 


ng 

,  T 
he 
to 

he 

ny 


m- 
on 
he 
k- 
o- 


re 


en 

ns 
ve 
:it 

V- 


)n 


V- 


16 


IC 


1" 


H 


JAMES    P.  BECKWOURTH. 


in 


ID 

U 
IC 

W 

H 

a 

g 

o 

1 


cf?  over  the  marpjins  of  the  small  hills,  through  •vvliicl) 
the  butialo  had  made  trails  just  wide  enough  to  admit 
one  at  a  time.  These  snow-trails  had  beeome  ([uite 
deep — like  all  snow-trails  in  the  spring  of  the  }'ear — 
thus  affording  us  a  line  opportunity  for  lurking  in  one 
trail,  and  shooting  a  huft'alo  in  another.  The  general 
had  wounded  a  hull,  which,  smarting  with  pain,  made 
a  furious  plunge  at  his  assailant,  burying  Iiim  in  the 
snow  with  a  thrust  from  his  savage-looking  head  and 
liorns.  I,  seeing  the  danger  in  wiiich  he  was  placed, 
sent  a  ball  into  the  beast  just  behind  the  shoulder,  in- 
stantly dropping  him  dead.  The  general  was  rescued 
from  almost  certain  death,  having  received  only  a  few 
scratches  in  the  adventure. 

After  remaining  in  camp  four  or  five  days,  the  gen- 
eral resolved  upon  dividing  our  party  into  detachments 
of  four  or  five  men  each,  and  sending  them  upon  dif- 
ferent routes,  in  order  the  better  to  accomplish  the  ob- 
ject of  our  perilous  journey,  which  was  the  collecting 
all  the  beaver-skins  possible  while  the  fur  was  yet 
valuable.  Accordingly,  we  constructed  several  boats 
of  buffalo  hides  for  the  purpose  of  descending  the  riv- 
er and  proceeding  along  any  of  its  tributaries  that 
might  lie  in  our  way. 

One  of  our  boats  being  finished  and  launched,  the 
general  sprang  into  it  to  test  its  capacity.  The  boat 
was  made  fast  by  a  slender  string,  which  snapping 
with  the  sudden  jerk,  the  boat  was  drawn  into  the 
current  and  drifted  away,  general  and  all,  in  the  di- 
rection of  the  opposite  shore. 

It  will  be  necessary,  before  I  proceed  farther,  to 
give  the  reader  a  description,  in  as  concise  a  manner 
as  possible,  of  this  "Green  River  Suck." 

We  were  encamped,  as  we  had  discovered  during 

C2 


58 


AUTOniOORAPIIY   OP 


our  frequent  excursions,  at  tlie  head  of  a  great  fall  of 
the  Green  lliver,  wlicrc  it  passes  througli  the  Utah 
Mountains.  The  current,  at  a  small  distance  from 
our  camp,  became  exceedingly  rapid,  and  drew  toward 
the  centre  from  each  shore.  This  place  we  named  the 
Suck.  This  fall  continued  for  six  or  eight  miles,  mak- 
ing a  sheer  descent,  in  the  entire  distance,  of  upward 
of  two  hundred  and  fifty  feet.  The  river  was  filled 
with  rocks  and  ledges,  and  frequent  sharp  curves,  hav- 
ing high  mountains  and  perpendicular  clifts  on  either 
side.  Below  our  camp,  the  river  passed  through  a 
canyon,  or  canon,  as  it  is  usually  written,  a  deep  river- 
pass  through  a  bluff  or  mountain,  which  continued  be- 
low the  fall  to  a  distance  of  twenty-five  or  thirty  miles. 
Wherever  there  was  an  eddy  or  a  growth  of  willows, 
there  was  sure  to  be  found  a  beaver  lodge ;  the  cun- 
ning creatures  having  selected  that  secluded,  and,  as 
they  doubtless  considered,  inaccessible  spot,  to  conceal 
themselves  from  the  watchful  eye  of  the  trapper. 

To  return  to  the  general.  His  frail  bark,  having 
reached  the  opposite  shore,  encountered  a  ledge  of 
rocks,  and  had  hardly  touched,  when,  by  the  action 
of  the  rolling  current,  it  was  capsized,  and  he  thrown 
struggling  into  the  water.  As  Providence  would  have 
it,  he  reached  the  bluff  on  the  opposite  side,  and,  hold- 
ing on  to  the  crevices  in  the  high  and  perpendicular  cliff, 
sung  out  lustily  for  assistance.  Not  a  moment  was  to  be 
lost.  Some  one  must  attempt  to  save  him,  for  he  could 
not  hold  his  present  position,  in  such  cold  water,  long.  I 
saw  that  no  one  cared  to  risk  his  life  amid  such  immi- 
nent peril,  so,  calling  to  aFrenchman  of  the  name  of  Dor- 
way,  whom  I  knew  to  be  one  of  the  best  swimmers,  to 
come  to  the  rescue,  I  threw  off  my  leggins  and  plunged 


iui 
cap 
tolc 
ibil 


if  a 


JAMKJS    1'.    BECKWOMHTM. 


6] 


Previous  to  this,  and  after  his  rescue  from  the 
"  Suck,"  he  lucntioncd  to  iMtzpatrick  that  T  ought  to 
have  the  lead  of  a  party,  and  tiiat  he  believed  I  was  as 
capable  as  any  one  in  the  company  for  it.  Fitzpatrick 
told  him  he  did  not  believe  I  would  accept  the  response 
ibility.  The  general  bade  him  ask  me.  lie  came  and 
communicated  to  me  our  generaPs  wish,  and  asked  mc 
if  I  would  take  the  leadership  of  one  of  our  detached 
parties. 

I  declined  the  offer,  assigning  ci.s  my  reason  that  I 
was  too  young  to  undertake  tlie  responsibilities  of  the 
charge ;  that  this  was  my  first  trip  to  the  mountains, 
and  I  had  but  little  experience  in  trapping,  and  that 
there  Avere  older  men  better  qualified  for  the  duty. 

The  leadership  of  a  party  of  a  fur  company  is  a  very 
responsible  post.  Placed  similarly  to  a  captain  of  a 
whaling  vessel,  where  all  depends  upon  his  success, 
if  a  captain  is  fortunate,  and  returns  from  a  profitable 
voyage,  of  course,  in  the  eyes  of  the  owners,  he  is  a 
first-rate  officer,  and  stands  well  for  the  future.  But 
if  he  has  experienced  unusual  hardships,  and  returns 
more  or  less  unsuccessful,  he  is  disgraced  in  his  com- 
mand, and  is  thrust  aside  for  a  more  fortunate  man. 
It  is  just  similar  with  trappers  in  the  mountains ; 
whatever  is  their  fortune,  good  or  bad,  the  leader  is  the 
person  on  whom  the  praise  or  blame  falls. 


62 


AUTOniOfJItAPllY    OF 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Wo  spparr.tR  into  six  "Dotnchmcnts,  and  start  out. — Trapping  on  Orcrn 
Uivrr. — Narrow  Escape  from  a  Massacre  by  tlic  Arrap-a-hos. — Ow 
Man  njunlcrcd  in  Camp. — llctrcat. — Fall  in  with  a  Detachment  ot 
our  Company. — Great  Joy  at  tijc  Meeting. — Return  of  the  Detach 
ments  to  tlic  Place  of  Rendezvous  at  the  "  Suck." 

Afteu  "caching"  our  peltry  and  goods  by  burying 
them  in  safe  phices,  we  received  instructions  from  our 
general  to  rendezvous  at  the  "  Suck"  by  the  first  of 
July  following.  Bidding  each  other  adieu,  for  wc  could 
hardly  expect  we  should  meet  again,  wc  took  up  our 
different  lines  of  march. 

Our  party  consisted,  led  by  one  Clements,  of  six, 
among  whom  was  the  boy  Baptiste,  he  always  insist- 
ing on  remaining  with  his  brother  (as  he  called  me). 
Our  route  was  up  the  river — a  country  that  none  of  us 
had  ever  seen  before — where  the  foot  of  the  white  man 
had  seldom,  if  ever,  left  its  print.  We  were  very  suc- 
cessful in  finding  beaver  as  we  progressed,  and  we  ob- 
tained plenty  of  game  for  the  wants  of  our  small  party. 
Wherever  wc  hauled  up  a  trap,  we  usually  found  a 
beaver,  besides  a  considerable  number  we  killed  with 
the  rifle. 

In  moving  up  the  river  we  came  to  a  small  stream 
— one  of  tlie  tributaries  of  Green  River — which  wc 
named  "  Horse  Creek,"  in  honor  of  a  wild  horse  we 
found  on  its  banks.  The  Creek  abounded  with  the 
objects  of  our  search,  and  in  a  very  few  days  we  suc- 
ceeded in  taking  over  one  hundred  beavers,  the  skins 
of  which  were  worth  ten  dollars  per  pound  in  St.  Lou- 


i 

i 


liun 

Ilor 

cecd 

cnco 

name 

niur( 

fijroat 

and 


JAMES    P.   nKCKWO'/IlTH. 


(\l\ 


h 


tc 
Ic 
|e 


I 


Id.  Sixty  skins,  when  dried,  funned  a  pack  of  one 
hundred  pounds.  After  having  iinished  our  work  on 
Horse  Creek,  wc  returned  to  the  main  river,  and  pro- 
ceeded on,  meeting  with  very  good  success,  until  we 
encountered  another  brancli,  which  we  subsequently 
named  Lc  Brache  Creek,  from  our  comrade  who  was 
murdered  by  the  Indians.  Our  success  was  mucli 
jGjreatcr  here  than  at  any  point  since  leaving  the  Suck, 
and  wc  followed  it  up  until  wc  came  to  a  deep  cahoiu 
ill  which  we  encamped. 

The  next  day,  while  the  men  were  variously  en- 
gaged about  the  camp,  happening  to  be  in  a  more  el 
evated  position  than  the  others,  I  saw  a  party  of  In- 
dians approacliing  within  a  few  yards,  evidently  un- 
aware of  our  being  in  their  neighborhood.  I  imme- 
diately shouted,  "  Indians !  Indians !  to  your  guns, 
men!"  and  leveled  my  rifle  at  the  foremost  of  them. 
They  held  up  their  hands,  saying,  "Bueno!  bueno!" 
mcani.^g  that  they  were  good  or  friendly;  at  which  my 
companions  cried  out  to  me,  "  Don't  fire !  don't  fire ! 
tluiy  are  friendly — they  speak  Spanish."  lUit  we  wcro 
sorry  afterward  we  did  not  all  shoot.  Our  horses  had 
taken  fright  at  the  confusion  and  ran  up  the  canon. 
Baptiste  and  myself  went  in  pursuit  of  them.  When 
wc  came  back  with  them  we  found  sixteen  Indians 
sitting  around  our  camp  smoking,  and  jabbering  their 
own  tongue,  which  none  of  us  understood.  They 
passed  the  night  and  next  day  with  us  in  apparent 
friendship.  Thinking  this  conduct  assumed,  from  the 
fact  that  they  rather  '*  overdid  the  thing,"  we  deemed 
it  prudent  to  retrace  our  steps  to  the  open  prairie, 
where,  if  they  did  intend  to  commence  an  attack  upon 
us,  we  should  have  a  fairer  chance  of  defending  our- 
selves. Accordingly,  we  packed  up  and  left,  all  the 
Indians  following  us. 


<M 


M  TuBIO<JKArilV    OK 


The  next  day  tlioy  continued  to  linger  about  the 
camp.  AV(!  liud  but  shiiht  Muspioion  of  their  motives, 
.•iltiiough,  tor  security,  we  kept  constant  guard  upon 
them,  brom  this  they  proceeded  to  certain  liberties 
(which  1  here  strictly  caution  all  emigrants  and  mount- 
aineers against  ever  permitting),  such  as  handling  our 
guns,  except  the  arms  of  the  guard,  piling  them,  and 
then  carrying  them  together.  At  length  one  of  the 
Indians  shouldered  all  the  guns,  and,  starting  oft'  with 
then),  ran  iif(y  yards  from  camp.  Mentioning  to  my 
mates  I  did  not  like  the  mana'uvres  of  these  fellows, 
I  started  after  the  Indian  and  took  my  gun  from  him, 
Baptiste  doing  the  same,  and  we  brought  them  back 
to  camp.  Our  companions  eluded  us  for  doing  so, 
saying  we  should  anger  the  Indians  by  doubting  their 
friendship.  I  said  I  considered  my  gun  as  safe  in  my 
OAvn  hands  as  in  the  hands  of  a  strange  savage ;  if 
they  chose  to  give  up  theirs,  they  were  at  liberty  to 
do  so. 

When  night  came  on,  wc  all  lay  down  except  poor 
Le  Brache,  who  kept  guard,  having  an  Indian  with 
him  to  replenish  the  fire.  Some  of  the  men  had  fall- 
en asleep,  lying  near  by,  when  wc  were  all  suddenly 
startled  by  a  loud  cry  from  Le  Brache  and  the  instant 
report  of  a  gun,  the  contents  of  which  passed  between 
Ba2)tistc  and  myself,  who  both  occupied  one  bed,  the 
powder  burning  a  hole  in  our  upper  blankets.  We 
were  all  up  in  an  instant.  An  Indian  had  seized  my 
ritlc,  but  I  instantly  wrenched  it  from  liini,  though,  I 
acknowledge,  I  was  too  terrified  to  shoot.  When  we 
had  in  some  measure  recovered  from  our  sudden  fright, 
I  hastened  to  Le  Brache,  and  discovered  that  a  toma- 
hawk had  been  sunk  in  his  head,  and  there  remained. 
I  pulled  it  out,  and  in  examining  tlie  ghastly  wound. 


.lAMKS    P.  HECKWOITRTII. 


65 


T 

re 
It, 


buried  all  four  lingers  of  my  right  hand  in  his  brain. 
We  bound  up  his  head,  but  ho  was  a  corpse  in  a  few 
moments. 

Not  an  Indian  was  then  to  be  seen,  but  we  well 
knew  they  were  in  the  bushes  close  by,  and  that,  in 
all  probability,  we  should  every  one  share  the  fate  of 
our  murdered  comrade.  What  to  do  now  was  the 
universal  inquiry.  With  the  butt  of  my  ritie  I  scat- 
tered the  fire,  to  prevent  the  Indians  making  a  sure 
mark  of  us.  We  then  proceeded  to  pack  up  with  the 
utmost  dispatch,  intending  to  move  into  the  open  prai- 
rie, where,  if  they  attacked  us  again,  we  could  at  least 
defend  ourselves,  notwithstanding  our  disparity  of 
numbers,  we  being  but  five  to  sixteen. 

On  searching  for  Le  Brachc's  gun,  it  was  nowhere 
to  be  found,  the  Indian  who  had  killed  him  having 
doubtless  earned  it  off.  While  hastily  packiijg  our 
articles,  I  very  luckily  found  live  quivers  well  stocked 
with  arrows,  the  bows  attached,  together  with  two  In- 
dian guns.  These  well  supplied  our  missing  rifle,  for 
I  had  practiced  so  much  with  bow  and  arrow  that  1 
was  considered  a  good  shot. 

When  in  readiness  to  leave,  our  leader  inquired  in 
which  direction  the  river  lay ;  his  agitation  had  been 
so  great  that  his  memory  had  failed  Iiim.  I  directed 
the  way,  and  desired  every  man  to  put  the  animals 
upon  their  utmost  speed  until  we  were  safely  out  of 
the  willows,  which  order  was  complied  with.  While 
thus  running  the  gauntlet,  the  bails  and  arrows  whiz- 
zed around  us  as  fast  as  our  hidden  enemies  could 
send  them.  Not  a  man  was  scratched,  however,  though 
two  of  our  horses  were  wounded,  my  horse  having  re- 
ceived an  arrow  in  the  neck,  and  another  being  wound- 
ed near  the  hip,  both  slightly.     Pursuing  our  course, 


r,{\ 


ALTOUKKJIf.MMIY    oK 


we  arrived  soon  in  'he  open  ground,  where  we  consid- 
ered ourselves  comparatively  sate. 

Arriving  at  a  small  rise  in  the  prairie,  I  suggested 
to  our  leader  that  this  would  be  a  good  pkce  to  make 
a  stand,  tor  if  the  Indians  followed  us  we  had  the  ad- 
vantage in  position. 

"iS'o,"  said  he,  "we  will  proceed  on  to  New  Mex- 
ico." 

I  was  astonished  at  his  answer,  well  knowhig — 
thougli  but  slightly  skilled  in  geography — that  New 
Mexico  must  be  many  hundred  miles  farther  south. 
I  Fowevcr,  1  was  not  captain,  and  we  proceeded.  Keep- 
ing the  return  track,  we  found  ourselves,  in  the  after- 
noon of  the  following  day,  about  sixty  miles  from  the 
scene  of  murder. 

1  he  assault  had  been  made,  as  we  afterward  learn- 
ed, by  three  young  Indians,  who  were  ambitious  to  dis- 
tinguish themselves  in  the  minds  of  their  tribe  by  the 
massacre  of  an  .Vmerican  party. 

We  were  still  descending  the  banks  of  the  Green 
River,  which  is  the  main  branch  of  the  Colorado,  when, 
about  the  time  mentioned  above,  I  discovered  horses 
in  the  skirt  of  the  woods  on  the  opposite  side.  JMy 
companions  pronounced  them  buffalo,  but  I  was  con- 
fident they  were  horses,  because  I  could  distinguish 
white  ones  among  them.  Proceeding  still  farther,  I 
discovered  men  with  the  horses,  my  comrades  still 
confident  I  was  in  error ;  speedily,  however,  they  all 
became  satisfied  of  my  correctness,  and  we  formed  the 
conclusion  that  we  had  come  across  a  party  of  Indians. 
We  saw  by  their  mana^uvres  that  they  had  discovered 
us,  for  they  were  then  collecting  all  their  property  to- 
gether. 

We  lield  a  siiort  council,  which  resulted  in  a  de- 


JAMES    P.  BECKWOIRTH. 


67 


termination  to  retreat  toward  the  mountains.  J,  tor 
one,  was  tired  of  retreating,  and  refused  to  go  farther. 
Baptiste  joining  nie  in  my  resolve.  We  took  up  a 
strong  position  for  defense,  being  a  place  of  difficult 
approach ;  and  having  our  guns,  and  ammunition,  and 
abundance  of  arrows  for  defense,  considering  our  num- 
bers, we  felt  ourselves  rather  a  strong  garrison.  The 
other  three  left  us  to  our  determination  to  fall  togeth- 
er, and  took  to  the  prairie ;  but,  changing  mind,  they 
returned,  and  rejoined  us  in  our  position,  deeming  our 
means  of  defense  better  in  one  body  than  when  di- 
vided. We  all,  therefore,  determined  to  sell  our  lives 
as  dearly  as  possible  sliould  the  enemy  attack  us,  feel- 
ing sure  that  we  could  kill  live  times  our  number  be- 
fore we  were  overpowered,  and  that  we  should,  iu  all 
probability,  beat  them  off. 

By  this  time  the  supposed  enemy  had  advanced  to- 
ward us,  and  one  of  them  hailed  us  in  English  as  fol- 
lows: 

"Who  are  you?" 

"  We  are  trappers." 

"  What  company  do  you  belong  to  ?" 

"  General  Asliley's." 

"Hurrah!  hurrah  I  hurrah  I"  they  all  shouted,  and 
we,  in  turn,  exhausted  our  breath  in  replyin  ^ 

"  Is  that  you,  Jim  Beckwourth  ?"  said  a  voice  from 
the  party. 

"Yes.     Is  that  you,  Castenga?"  I  replied. 

He  answered  in  the  affirmative,  and  there  arose  an- 
other hurrah. 

We  inquired  where  their  camp  was.  They  inform- 
ed us  it  was  two  miles  below,  at  the  ford,  l^aptistc 
und  myself  mounted  our  horses,  descended  the  bank, 
plunged  into  the  river,  and  were  soon  exchanging  salu- 


(W 


AITTOBIOGRAniY  OP 


tations  with  another  of  the  general's  old  detachments. 
They  also  had  taken  us  for  Indians,  and  had  gathered 
in  their  horses  while  we  took  up  our  position  for  de- 
fense. 

The  night  was  spent  in  general  rejoicing,  in  relating 
our  adventures,  and  recounting  our  various  successes 
and  reverses.  There  is  as  much  heartfelt  joy  experi- 
enced in  falling  in  with  a  party  of  fellow-trappers  in 
the  mountains  as  is  felt  at  sea  when,  after  a  long  voy- 
age, a  friendly  vessel  just  from  port  is  spoken  and 
boarded.  In  both  cases  a  thousand  questions  are  ask- 
ed ;  all  have  wives,  sweethearts,  or  friends  to  inquire 
after,  and  then  the  general  news  from  the  States  is 
taken  up  and  discussed. 

The  party  we  had  fallen  in  with  consisted  of  sixteen 
men.  They  had  been  two  years  out ;  had  left  Fort 
Yellow  Stone  only  a  short  time  previously,  and  were 
provided  with  every  necessary  for  a  long  excursion. 
They  had  not  seen  the  general,  and  did  not  know  he 
was  in  the  mountains.  They  had  lost  some  of  their 
men,  who  had  fallen  victims  to  the  Indians,  but  in 
trapping  had  been  generally  successful.  Our  little 
party  also  had  done  extremely  well,  and  we  felt  great 
satisfaction  in  displaying  to  them  seven  or  eight  pack- 
ets of  sixty  skins  each.  We  related  to  them  the  mur- 
der of  Le  Brache,  and  every  trapper  boiled  with  indig- 
nation at  the  recital.  All  wanted  instantly  to  start  in 
pursuit,  and  revenge  upon  the  Indians  the  perpetration 
of  tlieir  treachery ;  but  there  was  no  probability  of 
overtaking  them,  and  they  suffered  their  anger  to  cool 
down. 

The  second  day  after  our  meeting,  I  proposed  that 
the  most  experienced  mountaineers  of  their  party  should 
return  witli  Baptistc  and  myself  to  perform  the  burial 


i: 


rit^ 
sell 
sh( 


conl 
M 

but  I 

thoi 

ted 
OJ 


JAMES   r.  BECKWOUKTU. 


69 


rites  of  our  friend.  I  proposed  three  men,  with  our- 
selves, as  sufficient  for  the  sixteen  Indians,  in  case  we 
should  fall  in  with  them,  and  tiicy  would  certainly  be 
enough  for  the  errand  if  we  met  no  one.  Ikly  former 
comrades  were  too  tired  to  return. 

We  started,  and  arrived  at  our  unfortunate  camp, 
but  the  body  of  our  late  friend  was  not  to  be  found, 
though  we  discovered  some  of  his  long  black  hair  clot- 
ted with  blood. 

On  raising  the  traps  which  we  had  set  before  our 
precipitate  departure,  we  found  a  beaver  in  every  one 
except  four,  which  contained  each  a  leg,  the  beavers 
having  amputated  them  with  their  teeth.  We  then 
returned  to  our  companions,  and  moved  on  to  Willow 
Creek,  where  we  were  handy  to  the  caches  of  our  ren- 
dezvous at  the  "  Suck."  It  was  now  about  June  1st, 
1822. 

Here  we  spent  our  t*me  very  pleasantly,  occupying 
ourselves  with  hunting,  fishing,  target-shooting,  foot- 
racing, gymnastic,  and  sundry  other  exercises.  The 
other  detachments  now  came  in,  bringing  with  them 
(quantities  of  peltiy,  all  having  met  with  very  great 
succesB. 


y 


t 


70 


ALTUBlOGllArilY    <Jl' 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Arrival  of  General  Ashley  and  Party. — His  Relation  of  their  SufVeriiiKS 
after  leaving  the  Rendezvous. — Their  Excursion  to  Salt  Lake. — Fall 
in  with  a  Fur  Company  before  unknown  to  the  Mountaineers. — His 
final  Fortune,  and  return  to  St.  Louis. 

SiTTiNC^  in  camji  one  beautiful  summer  morning — 
for  the  month  of  June  is  always  lovely  in  northern 
latitudes — an  Indian  lass  stepped  up  to  me,  and  wish- 
ed me  to  kill  a  deer  or  an  antelope,  and  bring  her  the 
brains,  wherewitli  to  di-ess  a  deer-skin,  oftering  me,  in 
compensation,  a  handsome  pair  of  moccasins.  Think- 
ing to  save  two  dollars  by  a  few  minutes'  exertion,  I 
took  my  riHc  and  alone  left  camp.  After  traveling 
two  miles,  I  obtained  sight  of  a  fine  antelope,  which 
had  also  seen  me,  and  kept  himself  at  a  respectful  dis- 
tance. In  following  him  up  to  get  a  fair  shot,  I  at 
length  found  myself  about  ten  miles  from  camp,  with 
small  prospect  of  getting  either  brains  or  moccasins. 

While  among  the  wild  sage,  still  trying  to  approach 
the  antelope,  I  observed  a  horse  and  rider  coming  in 
my  direction.  Feeling  satisfied  that  the  rider  was  an 
Indian,  I  at  once  made  up  my  mind  to  run  no  farther 
after  the  antelope,  but  to  shoot  him,  and  take  his 
brains  to  the  squaw,  as  she  would  know  no  differ- 
ence. I  therefore  concealed  myself  in  the  sage  until 
he  should  come  within  range  of  my  rifie.  Becoming 
impatient,  at  length,  at  his  tardy  approach,  I  raised 
my  head  to  take  a  look,  when,  to  my  utter  astonish- 
ment, I  saw  General  Ashley  in  tlie  act  of  mounting 
his  horse  at  a  few  paces'  distance.     He  had  stopped 


•'AMKs  P.  mcKwoinvni.  yj 

On  seeing  wl.o  it  waTl  bo  1  '"'  '"^  '"«• 

!"/  '-d-     if  I  had    hoT  ,1  >*  r^  '•'««  f«"  from 

">  camp  that  I  was  not  ^nl     ,'        "'"«  ^''<="  ''"own 

«''o«l<,,most  undoubtedly  wt  ""r"-^"  '»  '""''I 

""-or.     I  told  the  gene  luf  tl       '''''"•S^''  '^"''  ''- 

'"><!  just  made.     Hot"      '  ,  ""^''^  "'"'^Pe  i.o 

';■■-  i-  an  Indian,and   :  nSirrVi  "''^  ""^'''^"'g 
ttey  never  traveled  .i„2"^  "  ^  ^"^  "<«  kuo,v  that 

j  «''en  inquired  after  h[;  hc^lti,  ,    ,,, 
J'»d  met  wifh,an<I  then  rehted   ^        *''"  ''"='"=«^  ''« 
and  suecess  generally.     hI  •„  '"!  'T  ""'•  <»vn  losses 

.™^-    I  told  him  it  was  e  OS nrr''  ,7''"'=  *'"^  ^™1' 
'"g  the  general  thither  I,.  "*"''•     ^n  <=onduct- 

'"•nd"  mher  distant.     '    '  ''™"°""««''  -"^  "dose  at 

;;t::pi:;Te''6is:;^^^ 

f'c  Suek  and  ,aAo„,  in  ih<^foZ  '■"P""''*.  tl'rough 

"  We  had  a  verv  dan Jl'   °"°"  '"^  "'imtive :        ^ 
er.and  suffered  mZ  tf  Hv'  '""•r  "°™  '^e  riv- 
i    '"•  again.    You  are  awC  fZ     '"'''  *°  -^-^^  "«"'  "uf- 
i     ™ion  with  „s,  not  e:^^eti  rw  !?"'  '"'  ""'«  P^- 
I    ed  so  far.     I„  passing  over fhe!      ,"  '"T  <'^*«"''- 
two  boats  and  three  gfns  1  n^    f  ^'"^^' ^''^--e  we  lost 
;"g  down  our  hoatsTe^tL'tr  "''"P"'  »'<=*- 
<^"  provisions  soon  gave  out      w   f^T^  '''"«<=«• 
beaver  „  the  .«««„  f^  some  „il.        T^  ^'""'^  «*' 
fi"d  them  in  as  great  plenty^     /, ""'''  '^"''''"^""S  '« 
"One  of  their  eareasses   w?.th       *'"  '"'^'  ^'"  «aved 
•^^  vve  proeeeded,  how  vl    17,   """=•■  °"  *»»''• 
-nor^  searee,  until  there  ^re^  ^"""^  """<'  "-d 
we  were  entirely  out  o"  ^  1"^  %^  T"'  "'' 

^        ^ons.      lo  retrace  the 


72 


AlITOHIOGIiAl'HY   OF 


river  was  impossible,  and  to  ascend  the  perpendicular 
cliffs,  which  hemmed  us  in  on  cither  side,  was  equally 
impossible.     Our  only  alternative  was  to  go  ahead. 

"After  passing  six  days  without  tasting  food,  the 
men  were  weak  and  disheartened.  I  listened  to  all 
their  murmurings  and  heart-rending  complaints.  They 
often  spoke  of  home  and  friends,  declaring  they  would 
never  see  them  more.  Some  spoke  of  wives  and  chil- 
dren whom  they  dearly  loved,  and  who  must  shortly 
become  widows  and  orphans.  They  had  toiled,  they 
said, through  every  difficulty;  had  risked  their  lives 
among  wild  beasts  and  hostile  Indians  in  the  wilder- 
ness, all  whic!i  they  were  willing  to  undergo ;  but  who 
could  bear  up  against  actual  starvation  ? 
.  "I  encouraged  them  all  in  my  power, telling  them 
that  I  bore  an  equal  part  in  their  sufferings ;  that  I, 
too,  was  toiling  for  those  I  loved,  and  whom  I  yet 
hoped  to  see  again ;  that  we  should  all  endeavor  to 
keep  up  our  courage,  and  not  add  to  our  misfortunes 
by  giving  way  to  despondency. 

"iVnother  night  was  passed  amid  the  barren  rocks. 
The  next  morning,  the  fearful  proposition  was  made 
by  some  of  the  party  for  the  company  to  cast  lots,  to 
see  which  should  be  sacrificed  to  afford  food  for  the 
others,  without  which  they  must  inevitably  perish. 
My  feelings  at  such  a  proposition  can  not  be  de- 
scribed. I  begged  of  them  to  wait  one  day  more, 
and  make  all  the  way  they  could  meanwhile.  By 
doing  so,  I  said,  we  must  come  to  a  break  in  the  can- 
on, where  we  could  escape.  They  consented,  and, 
moving  down  the  river  as  fast  as  the  current  would 
carry  us,  to  our  inexpressible  joy,  we  found  a  break, 
and  a  camp  of  trappers  therein. 

"All  now  rejoiced  that  they  had  not  carried  their 


I 


■""■""'    '••   "'XKWOIHT,,. 

WuJ  propo.si„o„  into  eflect        ;\-     ,     , 

good  l>a„,l.s,a„a  slo,vIy  recruitd  ?''  '^""'  "«° 

"I""  with  when  I  was  wc    ac'',?X  "/'  '"■-■  '"^»^°-  •■• 
v.ce,  wo  left  the  river  ami       '''''"',""«'•     Hy  Iiis  ad- 

rcmained  with  ],i3  ,„;  "  ^  "^'''«<'  "» .«i,h  both.     ^Y^ 

«»'t  Ukc.     Here  1  tu[  •  '  1?  7'"'  "'  "'«  ^'-"^ 

<n.i)pcrs,com»oscdoff'.„..i  "    "So  comnany  of 

""Jer  the  cotlunan^  of  P  STJ"'  .'"I""'-'^  ^-""n" 

<'-  .Northwest  F„r  Com  « '     ^  w',,  "',"■  ^■^"'•^^  »*■ 

".ade  a  very  good  bargain  rs^;„„y'''   *'"^    P^'7  I 

amvo  at  our  camp  J.avin '      ^  ,    '"'"  ^'=«  ^'''on  thev 

on  veryreasonaUe^i.'^^'""'"'''''  ""  *''-'  Htry 
^iic  general  conclurlp^  i.- 

g.atulated  by  all  ptsent  "  ?"""?•  ""''  ^^»«  <=»"- 
-ore  all  rejoiced  to  hear  It  it  "  f'^'''-  ^^« 
or  seven  weeks,  he  had  not  l "  5  ""  ''^'"""'  '"'^'^ 

We  then  iwceeded  fn  ,     """• 

'■aO  baried  a't  the  "  1*:;'^^^  °""  «"»''«•  -''-''  -« 
*'•«  river  to  a  point  where  the  CaS'"'^'^  *"  '"°^«  "P 
)md  engaged  to  meet  him  w  th  ,1  T'  ""^  ^"^iana 
cral  appointed  me  cap  1  ^f  P''*'^"     ^i-e  gen- 

"adians,  and  escort  ttm  to  tho''"'^  *°  ""'"'  *'«=  Ca- 
'-ad  proposed  to  them,  wilt  ""/'"=^°"'  ^Wd.  he 
■^"■ained  to  bring  up  the  loo^      '^  '""""  '""^  ""'or-s 
«ugar,  coffee,  blanlta,  tobafco  W  T''''"^  "'  «<>". 
a«.e  OS  necessary  for  Ihat   ^n       ''^'  -'l  «"  other 

-Liiere  were  at  ih'     *• 
about  two  hundred  ^enT^r^"'^^'  ^*  ^»^-  --P 
children-for  many  o7the  F      T  '"'"^  ^^"^^"   ^nd 
"ied  with  a  squav/  I  toofc^T^'"^"  ^^^^«  ^eeompa- 
their  women,  chiJdr./l'^^„r*^^  ^«  ^^'g^ty  men      '  ' 


ren,  and  effects,  Jeav: 


7) 


ighty 
ing  for  the 


with 
gen- 


74 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


eral  a  strong  guard  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  men, 
to  escort  the  goods  up  the  river. 

Two  days  after  wc  had  started,  being  about  a  mile 
from  the  river,  we  stopped  to  dress  a  buffalo.  While 
resting,  a  party  of  four  hundred  Indians  passed  at  full 
speed  between  us  and  the  river,  driving  a  large  num- 
ber of  horses.  "VVc  mounted  with  all  haste  and  started 
after  them,  but  not  in  time  to  recapture  the  whole  of 
the  horses,  which  they  had  just  stolen,  or,  rather,  forced 
from  the  general  in  the  presence  of  his  men. 

We  fired  on  tlie  Indians,  and,  after  a  smart  skirm- 
ish, in  which  I  received  an  arrow  in  the  left  arm,  we 
recaptured  twenty-seven  of  the  animals,  the  Indians 
running  oif  the  remainder,  amounting  to  seventy  or 
eighty  head ;  a  severe  loss,  for  we  needed  them  to  carry 
our  peltry.  We  found  three  dead  Indians  on  the  field, 
whom  we  scalped,  leaving  them  for  the  wolves  to  feed 
on.  I  ordered  a  camp  to  be  formed  wherein  to  leave 
the  women  and  children,  with  a  guard,  and  then,  mus- 
tering all  the  horses,  we  took  the  return  track  to  the 
camp,  fearing  that  the  party  had  been  surprised  and 
perhaps  all  massacred.  On  the  road  we  met  a  party 
which  the  general  had  dispatched  to  us,  he  having 
similar  apprehensions  in  regard  to  us.  They  informed 
us  that  the  Indians  had  broken  in  upon  them  in  broad 
daylight,  unawares,  and  stampeded  one  hundred  head 
of  horses ;  that  two  of  their  men  were  wounded,  of 
whom  Sublet  (since  well  known  to  the  Western  people) 
was  one.  It  seems  he  was  with  the  horses  at  the  time 
the  Indians  rushed  in  upon  them ;  he  fired  at  one,  but 
missed  him ;  then  clubbing  his  piece,  he  struck  the 
Indian,  nearly  knocking  him  off  his  horse.  The  In- 
dian rallied  again  and  fired  at  Sublet,  wounding  him 
slightly.     Both  the  wounded  men  were  doing  well. 


i 


caj 
ma 
the 
or'j 
unij 
ors( 
and 
Vi 
for  a 
On  a 
of  th 
their 
goods 
edto 
very  f 
Wi 
there 
vous. 
ing  at 
were  w 
us  who 
sugar,  ^ 
as  freel 
it  for. 
heartine 
^        The  J 
our  Salt 
of  which 
I      ^ith  his 
I    he  had  ] 
in  excell 
Louis. 


JAMEH   P.   UiSCKWoUJtTH. 


M'''^f'  *'"  """P'  ^-^  «'«"=d  our  culoit  t.  „ 
general.     He  was  overiovp,!  »^  i  .  "-^P""'  to  tlie 

captured  so  many  l.c^i^wH       'T  "'•""  '"'  '«"'  «" 
"•an.     This  was  VS  en!  "      ""  '"'^^  <"'"  ^'-gk 
.        the  capaeity  of  offieir      '  .  f  ^'=™?'  ^^'"'  I'-clians^n 
•        or  Taylor  feel  „„,„  TxLl  alr:uh'''  """'""'^  «™" 
umph  than  did  I  in  this  ,r°fl"„  '  "'"'  ""f  ''''«""'  '"- 
or  so  of  horses  were  cap  urld  Itlhf  ""'  ''''""'  "  '"'"^ 
and  two  of  my  „,e„  reLwl "  ,„!  "''''"f  °''"'>'«'^"" 
^^0  all  moved  on  fomhe'/-°""'''- 
5       for  a  thousan.1  Indianf  Z^f  ^  '"^  T''^'"'  «  "»*<='' 
;       On  arriving  at  the  n^S^^^^''  "'7  <'"'•'=  '»  assail  us. 
^      of  the  Salt  Lake  party  aS  T  """'"  ""^  '>''•'"'  ^^X 
tl'cir  effeets.     The  il„„!f  ^  "'.T ''"''  "'« '^'"olo  of 

goods,  e«epttobaco!„:SaS    °'"",""""'  '"'  ^'- 
cd  to  make  an  equal  distr  11      /"'"'''  "■^ ''«  ^"^l- 
i      very  searee  in  the  moTn    ;„"   °" ',  f  f  "''^  "■-«  *''«» 
'  When  all  had  e"me    'T'         ''"'''  ''^  °'^"'"'- 

;      there  was  a  general  ^i^;  'iT"';^  ''"  ^°"''^'  ""-l 
;      vous.     We  constitu/ed  q,Ute  a  ]f„f   "'  ""  ^-^'"I- 

:    7  "' '«-«'  eight  hund,^dl',i"^,r"'  """'"^^^ 

were  women  and  children      Ti  '"""  »"<>  ''»'<' 

"«  who  had  not  seen  IL  '"""'  '°""'  ""-ong 

-ga^&,forseveX2r"The^r';  ^^  ^°'^"' 
as  freely  as  water,  even  at  tZ\  '""''>'  "'™t  off 

"  for-     All  kind;  of  s.^L  '     «-^orb,tant  priee  he  sold 
heartiness  that  would  arn;  I      '  '"''"'«"<'  '"  '^'•"'  a 
The  general  tranaetd  at ""''''  f '"=="'  -"»'-^- 
our  Salt  Lake  friends      ff!    ^,  J""""'"''  *rade  with 
of  whieh  they  had  eoileeted  "T  "'''' ""  "'«- beaver, 
;'-'->l  his  purchases  id   hos:  T  '""'"'"^'  ^°  *'-' 
he  had  now  one  hundred  1/  •'""'  "''"  ^°"«"«". 

■n  excellent  order,  anfworth  .lTor°"''  T'"'  -" 
■Lioms.  ^^'^  «>XUOO  per  pack  in  St. 


70 


AITOIJKXJUAl'HY    OF 


Tlicro  lay  tlm  p^oncrar.s  fortune  in  one  immense  pile, 
eollected  at  tli(^  expense  of  severe  toil,  privation,  suf- 
fering, peril,  and,  in  some  eases,  loss  of  life.  It  was 
supposed  the  general  was  indebted  in  the  mountains 
and  elsewhere  to  the  amount  of  $75,0()().  The  akins 
ho  had  purchased  of  the  Northwest  Com])any  and 
free  trappers  had  eost  him  eom[)aratively  little;  if  he 
should  meet  with  no  misfortune  on  his  way  to  St.  Lou- 
is, he  would  receive  enough  to  pay  all  his  debts,  and 
have  an  ample  fortune  besides. 

In  about  a  week  the  generd  was  ready  to  start  for 
Iioine.  The  packs  Avere  all  arranged  ;  our  Salt  Lake 
friends  offered  him  the  loan  of  all  the  horses  he  want- 
ed, and  enii;ai;(Ml  to  escort  him  to  the  head  of  Wind 
Jtiver,  o!iC  of  the  branches  of  the  Yellow  Stone.  The 
number  scjlected  to  return  with  the  general  was  twenty 
men,  including  my  humble  self;  thirty  men  were  to 
accompany  us  as  a  guard,  and  to  return  the  horses  wc 
liad  borrowed. 

The  niglit  j^revious  to  our  departure,  I  and  my  boy 
Baptistc  were  slee})ing  among  the  packs,  as  were  also 
some  of  the  other  men,  when  the  sentinel  eame  to  mc 
to  tell  me  that  he  had  seen  something  which  he  be- 
lieved to  be  Indians.  I  arose,  and  satisfied  myself 
that  he  was  correct.  I  sent  a  man  to  acquaint  the 
general,  at  the  same  time  waking  the  boy  and  two 
men  near  mc.  Vic  noiselessly  raised  ourselves,  took 
as  good  aim  as  possible,  and,  at  a  signal  from  me,  all 
four  fired.  We  saw  two  men  run.  By  this  time  the 
whole  camp  was  aroused ;  the  general  asked  me  what 
I  had  fired  at.     I  told  him  I  believed  an  Indian. 

"Very  good,"  said  he;  "whenever  you  see  an  In- 
dian about  the  camp  at  night,  you  do  right  to  shoot 
him." 


M 


mor 
wlie] 
kne\i 
two 
(^ne 
body 
first 
r,lacJ 
Crow 
gins, 
M\ 
the  AM 
built 
clay  af 
fi-'cts  fc 
given,  ; 
of  tJien 
our  can 
for  tJie  I 
man  to 
were  wi 
l)arty)  p; 
times  nc 
cral;  lie 
our  cam 
yioBt  for; 
miss  fire, 
and  not 
Vellow  {• 
Green^ 
preter  bei 
name    w.' 


^Wiore  wc  l,a,l  ,li,ec  ..lo,^   V         ""'  '"'"""■^  '/"'S 
<»-o  men  (irej  will,  shT    ^,     "  «"""'  '"'•  «'«=  other 
'«<'/;  tl.e  Cher  was     ,'    n      '  "'T'S''  ""  ^""  ■•""' 
''l"'k   I'Vet,  Lut   we   Lb  °  ^'"''""•^''^'o-gecl  to  the 

fe'iMS  whieh  I  took  fi-om  ,"  '"'""  <"  '""^kski,,  le.- 

^y<-  started  w^  I,  "  ■'""'  1""  <"'  "O-self        ° 

>;'•■•''  our  boats  to  de,  :,,';;"""■  «'»-'  ^vLerc  wf 
'l^y  after  Jeavi,,.  e„„t   w    >         ''""■•     •^'"  «'■«  «i-xt!, 
'-'«  for  a,.  ea,f.      ,.' '     '"''^;™  ''■'^'■'=  ■-■'-king  our  e. 
»--o„,  and,  „,.  ]c^k,;Vu  \:e'?"  °''  ".^"•""■-'"  «- 
"'  «l'cm,well  n,ou„tetl   ctZ       T""  ""'""'«<=  "^"''r 
o»r  can,,,.     Every  „;  :°'>"f- ''"■''"y ''»»•»  "!«, 
'- ''-e  iiving  to,.,,,r  •'",;:^:'j-/'«e,  and  prepaU 
""'»  '0  fire  until  l,o  did       ,f  "f,'!*'  S"^"  orde,-.,  for  no 
"•cro  within  half  pistol  sLf    •^<      '  """  ""^  '"'li--"'« 
I-ty)  pronouneed  then.'  CWs  Cr'Tl  <""  "''  °"^ 
'""<••«  not  to  shoot.     We  l-en/'  '"'  *""  ^'''"^'•''l 

""I;  1,0  pulled  trigger  but     i°"'' '^■''  "''"'  ""^S"'" 
0"r  camp  was  imn,tli,  tX  ti  .  ,^"",""''^'^''  «"=•»•"! 
•llost  fortunate  was  it  tbS   It  t."       •''"''•  ''''"'°'-^- 
--  fire,  for  the^  „„,„^  ,  "e  general's  gun  did 

•■»"■  not  a  n,an  of  us  wo.dl  I  """■«••""!  «-ar,iors 

Vell«„,  *.._  ^  "°"'<J  'mvo  eseanerl  ♦„  .._  ., 


Vellow  Ston 

0,-ecnwood,  who  k„.,v  ,„c 
Fc'cr  between  our  general  a„d 


escaped  to  sec  the 


""V  the  C-ows,  acted 


";;"%  »■■■•«  Ap.,,a,-o.ka   J 


tiie  Indfan  chief: 


^et-sct-sa.  A' 


as  inter- 
wlioso 


^pan'o,r~//a,rk 


78 


ATTTOBIOORAPHY   OP 


After  making  numerous  inquiries  about  our  success 
in  liunting,  the  chief  inquired  through  the  interpreter 
where  we  were  from. 

*'  From  ( »reen  lliver,"  was  the  reply. 

"  You  killed  two  Black  Feet  there  ?" 

*'  Yes." 

"Where  are  their  scalps?  ]\Iy  people  wish  to 
dance." 

"Don't  show  them !"  cried  Greenwood  to  us. 

Turning  to  the  Indian:  "We  did  not  take  their 
scalps." 

"  Ugh !  that  is  strange." 

During  this  colloquy  I  had  buried  my  scalp  in  the 
sand,  and  concealed  my  Icggins,  knowing  they  had 
belonged  to  a  Crow.  The  chief  gave  orders  to  his 
waiTiors  to  move  on,  many  of  them  keeping  with  us 
on  our  road  to  their  camp,  which  was  but  a  short  dis- 
tance off. 

Soon  after  reaching  there,  an  Indian  woman  issued 
from  a  lodge  and  approached  the  chief.  She  was  cov- 
ered with  blood,  and,  crying  in  the  most  piteous  tones, 
addressed  the  chief:  "These  are  the  men  that  killed 
my  son  on  Green  River,  and  will  you  not  avenge  his 
death  ?" 

She  was  almost  naked,  and,  according  to  their  cus- 
tom when  a  near  relative  is  slain,  had  inflicted  wounds 
all  over  her  body  in  token  of  her  deep  mourning. 

The  chief,  turning  to  the  general,  then  said, 

"  The  two  men  that  were  killed  in  your  camp  were 
not  Black  Feet,  but  my  own  warriors ;  they  were  good 
horse-thieves,  and  brave  men.  One  of  them  was  a  son 
of  this  woman,  and  she  is  crying  for  his  loss.  Give 
her  something  to  make  her  cease  her  cries,  for  it  an- 
gers me  to  see  her  grief." 


JAMES    1*.  BECKWOURTII. 


79 


re 
in 


« 


The  general  clieerfully  made  lier  a  present  of  what 
things  he  had  at  hand,  to  the  value  of  about  fifty  dol- 
lars. 

'*Now,"  said  the  chief  to  the  woman,  **go  to  your 
lodge  and  cease  your  crying."  She  went  away  seem- 
ingly satisfied. 

During  the  day  two  other  Indians  came  to  the  en- 
campment, and,  displaying  each  a  wound,  said,  "  See 
here  what  you  white  people  have  done  to  us ;  you 
shot  us ;  white  people  shoot  good  in  the  dark." 

Tiiese  were  the  two  whom  we  had  seen  run  away 
after  our  night-discharge  on  the  Green  River.  They 
had  been  wounded  by  the  other  two  men's  sliot-guns, 
'  it  their  wounds  were  not  serious.  Tliey  said  that 
their  intention  had  been  to  steal  our  horses,  but  our 
eyes  were  too  sharp  for  them.  The  general  distrib- 
uted some  farther  presents  among  these  two  men. 

Happening  to  look  among  their  numerous  horses, 
we  recognized  some  that  had  been  stolen  from  us  at 
the  time  the  general  was  sick,  previous  to  our  discov- 
ery of  the  Green  River. 

The  general  said  to  the  chief,  "  I  believe  I  see  some 
of  my  horses  among  yours." 

*'  Yes,  we  stole  them  from  you." 

"  What  did  you  steal  my  horses  for  ?" 

*'I  was  tired  with  walking.  I  had  been  to  fight 
the  Black  Feet,  and,  coming  back,  would  have  called  at 
your  camp ;  you  would  have  given  me  tobacco,  but 
that  would  not  caiTy  me.  When  we  stole  them  they 
were  very  poor ;  they  are  now  fat.  We  have  plenty 
of  horses;  you  can  take  all  that  belong  to  you." 

The  chief  then  gave  orders  for  them  to  deliver  up 
all  the  horses  taken  from  our  camp.  They  brought  in 
eighty-eight — all  in  excellent  condition — and  deliver- 


«0 


ai:tohioorai'Hy  of 


ed  them  up  to  the  general,  wlio  was  overjoyed  at  their 
recovery,  for  he  had  never  expected  to  see  his  horses 


again. 


On  our  issuing  from  their  camp,  many  of  the  In- 
dians bore  us  company  for  two  days,  until  we  came  to 
a  pass  in  the  mountains  called  liad  Pass,  where  we 
encamped.  Several  of  the  party  being  out  with  their 
guns  searching  for  game,  a  man  by  the  name  of  Hap- 
tistc — not  the  boy — having  a  portion  of  a  buffalo  on 
his  horse,  came  across  a  small  stream  ilowing  near  the 
trail,  when  he  halted  to  get  a  drink.  AVhilc  stooping 
to  drink,  a  grizzly  bear  sprang  uj)on  him,  and  lacer- 
ated him  in  a  shocking  manner.  Passing  that  way,  I 
came  across  his  dismounted  horse,  and,  following  his 
tracks  down  to  the  river,  discovered  the  poor  fellow 
with  his  head  comj)letely  flayed,  and  several  danger- 
ous wounds  in  various  parts  of  his  body.  1  quickly 
gave  the  alarm,  and  procured  assistance  to  carry  him 
to  the  camp.  Soon  after  reaching  the  camp  we  heard 
a  great  rush  of  horses,  and,  looking  in  the  direction  of 
the  noise,  perceived  a  party  of  our  half-breeds  charging 
directly  toward  our  camp,  and  driving  before  them  an- 
other bear  of  enormous  size.  All  the  camp  scatteretl 
and  took  to  trees.  1  was  standing  by  the  wounded  man 
at  the  time,  and  became  so  terrified  that  I  hardly  knew 
whether  I  was  standing  on  the  ground  or  was  in  a 
tree.  I  kept  my  eye  on  the  bear,  not  supposing  that 
he  would  enter  our  camp ;  but  he  held  his  course  di- 
rectly for  me.  I  withdrew  to  look  for  a  tree,  but  for 
some  reason  did  not  climb.  Every  man  was  calling 
to  me,  "  To  a  tree,  Jim  !  to  a  tree !"  but  by  this  time 
the  bear  was  in  camp,  and  the  horsemen  at  his  heels. 
On  his  seeing  the  wounded  man  lying  there  all  cover- 
ed with  blood,  he  nuidc  a  partial  halt.      T  profited  l>v 


thci 


jnjr 


ins: 


then 


.lAMES    r.  mX'KWOl'UTU. 


«1 


the  incidont,  and  put  a  ball  directly  into  his  heart,  kill- 
ing liis  bearship  in.stantly.  Tiic  general  fired  at  the 
same  moment,  his  ball  also  taking  good  etteet. 

The  next  day  we  went  through  \*nu\  l*ass,  carrying 
our  wounded  companion  on  a  liiter,  who,  notwithstand- 
ing his  dreadful  wounds,  recovered.  On  arriving  at 
the  "  liig  Horn,"  as  it  is  called  there,  we  set  about 
preparing  boats,  which,  after  five  days,  were  ready  for 
launching.  There  were  far-trapj)ers  with  us,  who, 
having  made  a  boat  for  themselves,  went  on  in  ad- 
vance, intending  to  trap  alojig  down  until  wc  should 
overtake  them.  They  accordingly  started.  When  wc 
went  down  wc  found  their  boat  and  traps,  which  had 
been  broken,  but  no  remains  of  the  trappers.  ]5y  the 
appearance  of  the  ground,  it  was  evident  that  the  In- 
dians had  surprised  and  murdered  them,  and  afterward 
removed  their  bodies.  Nothing  else  of  conserpience 
occurred  during  our  run  down  the  15ig  Horn  and  Yel- 
low Stone  to  the  junction  of  the  latter  with  the  3Iis- 
souri,  thus  running  a  distance  of  eight  hundred  miles 
in  our  boats. 

In  cftecting  a  landing  at  the  junction  of  these  two 
riverswe  unfortunately  sunk  one  of  our  boats,  on  board 
of  which  were  thirty  pacKS  of  beaver-skins,  and  away 
they  went,  floating  down  the  current  as  rapidly  as 
though  they  had  been  live  beavers.  All  was  noise  and 
confusion  in  a  minute,  the  general,  in  a  perfect  ferment, 
shouting  to  us  to  save  packs.  All  the  swimmers 
plunged  in  after  them,  and  every  pack  was  saved.  The 
noise  'e  made  attracted  a  strong  body  of  U.  S.  troops 
down  to  the  river,  who  were  encamped  near  the  place, 
and  officers,  privates,  and  musicians  lined  the  shore. 
They  were  under  the  command  of  (Jeneral  Atkinson, 
then  negotiating  a  treaty  with  the  Indians  of  that  re- 

1)  t? 


82 


AL'TOBIOGRAPHY    OF 


gion  on  behalf  of  tlic  government.  General  Atkinson 
and  our  general  happened  to  be  old  acf[uaintances,  and 
when  we  had  made  every  tiling  snug  and  secure,  wc 
all  went  into  camp,  and  freely  indulged  in  festivities. 
*'  Hurrah  for  the  Mountains  I"  rung  through  the  camp 
again  and  again. 

The  next  morning  we  carried  all  our  effects  from  the 
boats  to  the  encampment,  and  our  hunters  went  out  in 
search  of  game.  Not  a  day  passed  but  we  brougiit  in 
great  quanties  of  buffalo,  venison,  mountain-sheep,  etc. 
Of  the  latter,  we  cauglit  some  very  young  ones  alive, 
one  of  which  I  presented  to  Lieutenant  (now  General) 
Harney,  which  circumstance,  I  have  no  doubt,  he  still 
bears  in  mind. 

After  a  stay  of  about  a  week,  General  Atkinson 
furnished  us  a  boat  of  sufficient  size  to  carry  all  our 
effects,  and,  breaking  up  the  encampment,  afforded  us 
the  pleasure  of  the  company  of  all  the  troops  under 
his  command — we,  gentlemen  mountaineers,  traveling 
as  passengers.  At  our  camping-places  we  very  will- 
ingly supplied  the  party  with  game. 

At  one  of  our  encampments  an  amusing  accident 
occurred.  AVe  were  out  hunting  buffalo,  and  had  suc- 
ceeded in  wounding  a  bull,  who,  furious  with  his  wound, 
made,  with  the  speed  of  lightning, directly  for  the  camp, 
leaving  a  cloud  of  dust  in  his  track.  The  troops,  per- 
ceiving his  approach,  scattered  in  all  directions  as 
though  an  avalanche  was  bursting  upon  them.  On 
went  the  buffalo,  overturning  tents,  baggage,  and  guns 
— leaping  e\ery  impediment  that  arrested  his  course ; 
then,  turning,  he  plunged  into  the  river  and  gained 
the  opposite  prairie,  leaving  more  than  a  hundred  sol- 
diers scared  half  to  death  at  his  visitation.  They  cer- 
tainly discharged  their  pieces  at  him,  but,  for  all  the 


mj 
old 


ano 
all 

eral 


JAMES    P.   BECKWOURTH. 


8H 


injury  tlicy  inflicted,  he  will  probably  live  to  a  good 
old  age. 


rival  at  Fort  Clark 


met  with 


Previous  to  our 
another  serious  misadventure.  The  beat  containing 
all  our  general's  eftects,  running  on  a  snag,  immediate- 
ly sunk.  Again  all  our  packs  were  afloat,  and  Gen- 
eral Atkinson,  witnessing  the  accident,  ordered  every 
man  overboard  to  save  the  peltry,  himself  setting  the 
example.  In  an  instant,  mount  .incers,  United  States 
officers  and  soldiers  plunged  in  to  the  rescue.  For- 
tunately it  was  shoal  water,  not  more  than  waist  high, 
and  all  was  speedily  saved. 

General  Atkinson  related  a  difficulty  he  had  had 
witli  the  Crow  nation  in  the  course  of  a  treaty  with 
them  at  Fort  Clarke,  on  his  way  up  the  river.  The 
Crows,  in  a  battle  with  the  Black  Feet,  had  taken  a 
half-breed  woman  and  child,  whom  they  had  captured 
on  the  Columbia  River  some  time  previously.  Gen- 
eral Atkinson  ordered  them  to  liberate  the  captives, 
which  they  refused  to  do,  saying  that  they  had  taken 
them  from  their  enemies,  the  Clack  Feet,  and  that  they 
clearly  belonged  to  them.  The  general  persisted  in 
his  demand,  and  the  Indians  refused  to  comply,  even 
oftbring  to  fight  about  the  matter.  The  general  de- 
clined fighting  that  day,  but  desired  them  to  come  on 
the  morrow  and  he  would  be  prepared. 

The  next  ^lay  the  Indian  force  presented  themsel  v'^es 
for  the  onset,  they  bringing  a  host  of  warriors.  One 
of  the  chiefs  visited  the  military  camp  for  a  "talk." 
He  had  an  interview  with  jMajor  O' Fallen,  who  or- 
dered him  to  give  up  the  captives  or  prepare  to  figlit. 
The  chief  boastingly  replied,  through  Rose,  the  inter- 
preter, that  the  major's  party  was  not  a  match  for  the 
Crows;  that  he  would  whip  his  whole  army.      On 


84 


AUTOBlOGKAPllY    OF 


this,  the  major,  who  was  a  pas.ionatc  man,  drew  his 
pistol  and  snapped  it  at  tho  chief's  breast.  It  missed 
fire,  and  lie  then  struek  the  Indian  a  violent  blow  on 
the  head  with  the  weapon,  inflicting  a  severe  gash. 
The  chief  made  no  resistance,  but  remained  sullen. 
When  this  occurrence  reached  the  ears  of  the  Indian 
warriors,  they  became  perfectly  infuriated,  and  prepared 
for  an  instant  attack.  General  Atkinson  paciticd  them 
through  Rose,  who  was  one  of  the  best  interpreters 
ever  known  in  the  whole  Indian  country.  During  the 
liubbub,  the  Indians  spiked  the  general's  guns  with 
wooden  spikes,  and  stuffed  them  with  grass. 

Their  principal  chief,  "Long  I  lair,"  then  visited  the 
camp,  and  addressed  the  general : 

"  White  Chief,  the  Crows  liave  never  yet  shed  the 
blood  of  the  white  peoj)le ;  they  have  always  treated 
them  like  brothers.  You  have  now  shed  the  first 
blood  ;   my  people  are  angry,  and  we  must  fight." 

The  general  replied,  "Chief,  I  was  told  by  my 
liiond,  the  great  Red-haired  Chief,  that  the  Crows  were 
a  good  people  ;  that  they  were  our  friends.  We  did 
not  come  to  iight  the  Crows ;  we  came  as  their  friends." 

"The  Red-haired  Chief  I"  exclaimed  Long  llair,  in 
astonishment;  "  arc  you  his  peojjlc  ?" 

"  Yes,"  replied  the  general. 

"The  Red-haired  Chief  is  a  great  chief,  and  when 
lie  hears  that  you  have  shed  the  blood  of  a  Crow,  lie 
will  be  angry,  and  punish  }'ou  for  it.  Go  home,"  he 
added,"  and  tell  the  Red-haired  Chief  that  you  have 
shed  the  blood  of  a  Crow,  and,  though  our  people  were 
angry,  we  did  not  kill  It  is  people.  Tell  him  that  you 
saw  Long  Hair,  the  Crow  chief,  to  whom  he  gave  the 
red  plume  many  winters  ago." 

Long  ILiir  and  Rose  then  went  out  and  harangued 


the  wJ 

womai 

crai  nil 

and   ai 

liighly 

The 

Travel] 

haired 

.Mr.  Ch 

iio  was 

tile  h'vji 

to  be  a 

lord  ovc 

The  1 

again,  m 

still  in  c 

ijook-ou 

was  a  tr 

ican  Fur 

major  ni; 

bear  ibr  i 

him  befor 

v/ith  a  el 

think  hin 

rious  in  1 

tion.      Ill 

literally  t 


We  CO 

ing  on  sh 
tcllino*  st( 

o 

free  with 
was  grea 


JAMK.S    P.    I»i:CKWOi:UTII. 


85 


the  warriorR,  wlio  imnicdiatcly  withdrew,  and  soon  the 
woman  and  child  were  Lrouglit  into  camp.  'J'ho  gen- 
eral made  them  a  j)resent  of  a  great  nnniber  of  guns, 
and  amnnmition  in  abundance,  at  which  they  were 
liighly  deliglited. 

Tlie  reader  who  has  ])erused  "  I/nvis  and  Clarke's 
TraveLs"'  will  please  to  understand  that  the  "  Jied- 
liaired  Chief"  spoken  of  above  was  none  other  than 
Mr.  Clarke,  whom  the  Crows  almost  worshiped  while 
he  was  among  them,  and  who  yet  hold  his  name  in 
the  highest  veneration.  ]Ie  was  considered  by  them 
to  be  a  great  "  medicine  man,"  and  they  supposed  Jiim 
lord  over  the  whole  white  race. 

The  loss  of  the  boat  being  supplied,  and  all  to  rights 
again,  we  continued  our  course  down  the  Missouri, 
still  in  company  with  the  troops,  until  we  reached  Fort 
Look-out,  where  we  encamped  for  the  night.  There 
was  a  trading-post  at  this  fort,  belonging  to  the  Amer- 
ican Fur  Company,  in  charge  of  Major  Pitcher.  Tiic 
major  made  General  Ashley  jiresent  of  a  large  grizzly 
bear  for  a  j)laything,  and  a  pretty  plaything  we  found 
him  before  we  were  done  with  him.  lie  was  made  fast 
•with  a  chain  to  the  cargo-box  on  deck,  and  seemed  to 
think  himself  captain  ;  at  any  rate,  he  was  more  impe- 
rious in  his  orders  than  a  commodore  on  a  forei<::u  sta- 
tion.  lie  would  suiVer  no  one  on  deck,  and  seamed 
literally  to  apply  the  poet's  words  to  himself, 

"  I  am  monarch  of  all  I  survey, 

My  riylit  there  is  none  to  dispute." 

Wc  continued  our  course  down  the  river,  encamp- 
ing on  shore  every  night.  We  had  a  jovial  time  of  it, 
telling  stories,  cracking  jokes,  and  frequently  making 
free  with  Uncle  Sam's  "  O  be  joyful,"  of  which  tiiere 
was  great  plenty  for   the   su])ply  of  rations    to   the 


86 


AITTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


troops.  The  soldiers  listened  with  astonishment  to 
the  wild  adventures  of  tlie  mountaineers,  and  would, 
in  turn,  engage  our  attention  with  recitals  of  their  own 
expedience. 

At  length  wo  arrived  at  Council  Bluffs,  where  we 
remained  three  days,  feeling  ourselves  almost  at  home. 
"VVc  of  course  had  a  good  time  at  the  Bluffs,  and  the 
three  days  passed  in  continual  festivities. 

Providing  ourselves  with  a  good  boat,  we  bade  adieu 
to  the  troops,  who  stayed  behind  at  the  Blufis,  and 
continued  our  descent  of  the  river.  The  current  of 
the  Missouri  is  swift,  but  to  our  impatient  minds  a 
locomotive  would  have  seemed  too  tardy  in  removing 
us  from  the  scenes  of  hardship  and  privation  we  had 
just  gone  through  to  the  homes  of  our  friends,  our 
sweethearts,  our  wives  and  little  ones. 

Those  who  reside  in  maritime  places,  and  have  wit- 
nessed the  hardy  tars  step  ashore  in  their  native  land, 
can  form  an  adequate  idea  of  the  happy  return  of  the 
mountaineers  from  their  wanderings  on  the  Plains  to 
St.Louis,  which  is  their  great  sea-port;  or,  if  a  pun  is 
admissible,  I  may  perhaps  say  At^t'-port ;  for  there  we 
eea  our  old  friends,  there  we  see  our  fun  and  merri- 
ment, and  there  we  sometimes  ^^see  sights." 

Arrived  at  St.Charles,  twenty  miles  above  St.Louis, 
the  general  dispatched  a  courier  to  hii  friends,  Messrs, 
Warndorf  and  Tracy,  to  inform  them  of  his  great  suc- 
cess, and  that  he  would  be  in  with  his  cargo  the  next 
day  about  noon. 

When  we  came  in  sight  of  the  city  we  were  saluted 
by  a  piece  of  artillery,  which  continued  its  discharges 
until  we  landed  at  tiie  market-place.  There  were  not 
less  than  a  thousand  persons  present,  who  hailed  our 
landing  with  shouts  which  deafened  our  ears.     Those 


who 

heart; 

crow( 

never 

ap])ro£ 

crowd, 
part  o 
1  couI( 
ing  thf 
Our 
ceivinir 
afterno( 
AVe  ac( 
our  pay 
to  each 
and  my: 
lars  eaci 
immedia 
mountai; 
pay  was 
our  twer 
no  fartlu 
conceal  ( 
room,  tli( 
cliose,  an 
next  mor 
Accord 
and  had  c 
ed  with  < 
included  i 
called  on 
had  "run 
at  his  exf 


JAMES   P.    BECKWOIIRTII. 


87 


ted 

res 

lOt 

)iir 
)se 


who  had  parents,  brothers  and  sisters,  wives  or  swcct- 
lit'urts,  met  tiiem  at  the  landing;  and  sucli  a  rushing, 
crowding,  puihng,  hauling,  weeping,  and  laughing  I  had 
never  before  witnessed.  Every  one  had  learned  our 
approach  by  the  courier. 

3[y  father,  wlio  had  moved  to  St.  Louis,  was  in  the 
crowd,  and  was  overjoyed  to  see  me.  lie  had  lost  a 
part  of  his  property  by  being  surety  for  othor  men,  and 
1  could  see  that  age  had  left  its  traces  uj)on  him  dur- 
ing the  little  time  that  I  had  been  absent. 

Our  cargo  was  soon  landed  and"  stored,  the  men  re- 
ceiving information  tiiat  they  would  be  paid  oft'  that 
afternoon  at  the  store  of  ^lessrs.Warndorf  and  Tracy. 
We  acccrdingly  repaired  thither  in  a  body  to  receive 
our  pa3^  The  full  amount  was  counted  out  in  silver 
to  each  man,  except  three,  namely.  La  lloche,  Pellow, 
and  myself.  To  us  the  general  gave  twenty-live  dol- 
lars each,  telling  us  he  would  sec  us  there  again.  I 
immediately  thought  of  my  difficulty  with  him  in  the 
mountains,  and  concluded  that  the  remainder  of  my 
pay  was  to  be  withheld  on  that  account.  We  took 
our  twenty-five  dollars  each,  and  went  away,  asking 
no  farther  questions,  though  we  took  no  trouble  to 
conceal  our  thoughts.  Before  we  left  the  counting- 
room,  the  general  told  us  to  repair  to  any  hotel  we 
chose,  and  have  whatever  we  liked  to  call  for  until  the 
next  morning,  and  he  would  pay  the  bill. 

Accordingly,  we  all  repaired  to  Le  Barras's  hotel, 
and  had  a  glorious  time  of  it.  The  house  was  throng- 
ed with  our  friends  besides,  who  all  felt  tliemsclves 
included  in  the  general's  hospitality.  General  Ashley 
called  on  us  the  next  morning,  and,  perceiving  that  we 
had  "run  all  night,''  told  us  to  keep  on  another  day 
at  his  expense,  adding  that,  if  we  wished  to  indulge  in 


88 


ALTOHKKJUArilV    OK 


a  ride,  he  would  pay  for  carriages.  AVc  profited  by 
liiri  lilnt,  and  did  not  fail  to  take  into  our  2)arly  a  good 
share  of  lasses  and  mountaineers. 

The  next  morning  the  general  again  visited  us,  and, 
seeing  we  were  pretty  soher,  paid  tiic  bill  (not  a  tri- 
fling matter),  and  desired  us  to  call  on  him  at  the  store 
at  ten  o'clock.  AVe  went  as  appointed,  not  knowing 
yet  how  he  would  treat  us.  When  wc  were  assem- 
bled, he  paid  us  our  wages  in  full,  made  us  a  present 
of  three  hundred  dollars  each,  and  desired  us  to  pur- 
chase a  iirst-ratc  suit  of  clothes  each  at  his  expense. 

*'  I  give  you  this  extra,*'  he  said,  "for  your  faithful 
services  to  me  in  the  mountains ;  for  your  watchful- 
ness over  my  property  and  interest  while  there ;  for 
your  kindness  in  caring  foi  me  while  sick  and  help- 
less, carrying  me  when  unr.ble  to  walk,  and  not  leav- 
ing me  to  perish  in  the  camp  alone." 

I  forgot  to  mention  the  disembarkation  of  Grizzly  at 
the  proper  time,  but  will  do  so  here.  After  the  peltry 
was  all  landed  and  stored,  the  bear  still  occupied  his 
station.  Hundreds  were  yet  gazing  at  him,  many  of 
whom  had  never  seen  one  of  the  kind  before.  The 
general  said  to  me,  'SJames,  how,  under  the  sun,  are 
we  to  get  that  animal  oft*  the  boat  ?*'  I,  having  a  few 
glasses  of  "  artificial  courage"  to  back  me,  felt  exeecd- 
inj.^ly  valorous,  and  thought  myself  able  to  throw  a 
mill-stone  across  tlie  Mississij)pi.  Accordingly,  I  vol- 
unteered to  bring  him  ashore.  I  procured  a  light 
stick,  walked  straight  up  to  the  boi-r,  and,  speaking 
very  sharp  to  him  (as  he  had  to  us  all  the  way  down 
the  river),  deliberately  unfastened  his  chain.  He  look- 
ed me  in  tlie  eyes  for  a  moment,  and,  giving  a  low 
whine,  drooped  his  head.  J  led  him  off  the  boat  along 
a  staging  ])ropared  for  the  purpose,  the  crowd  instantly 


t-dlini 
witlu 
to  tht 
a  niili 
him 
icaderl 
Avas  fc 
rived 
a])]jle- 
l<'nL'"th 
nie;  tl 
Ji.'ld  111 
1  tlu 
our  ii-ei 
liad  sen 
kind  of 
made  la 
The  maj 
looking  , 
bear,  wh 
that  he 
piggy  lb] 
TJic  u 
of  Jiis  /^<>i 
of  those 


'•^"K'<  I'.  i;ii(Kn(,iKTii.  J,, 

tailing  back  to  a  resnectC,,!  ,I-  , 

"'■",-•"  «ccid..„t,  .i,c'g: . ,'  ■;  7'^^-  ^■•-"■■s  i.i... 

•0  Ih,.  residence  of  M.^IT      I         ■"'  "'"  *"  '™''  ''"" 

■'-K  J..„i„  =  ncn  look  .  ''  0  :T   rr"'"  '1"  '"'^ 
was  follow  nci-  un  .,f  o  ,      ?       ?      "**  *^"^  crowd  that 

;'l'i''-<ree  ti.at^stooS'I:  ""    Tf  '  '"^^^y  «'-^t  'o  :.. 
'""c";  on,is  chain,  ,v],e,   ]■„.  ,  ,1  ^'i"^"'-^-  «"'  *»  <'- 

-<'e  fct  ,i,e  boa;  I  T^  ^^  ^  '-  -here  I  baj 

'«kn,g  at  bin,,  „  ,„„j,  -^  '  "'•  Wlnle  we  stood 
l'ear,,vben(;,.i.zly<Ie.  t  ?  ^ '*,'""'  '"  i'"""  "«"■  «l'o 
"""  '»  'eft  l.im'not  a         r.''''""  "■'■''' '"•^  1«- 


})() 


ALTOHKJUKAI'JIV    <»K 


ciLvrTER  vni. 

TTnexpccted  Kctum  to  the  Rocky  Mountains. — Camp  removed. — Final 
Siicct'KH  ill  liiidin^  our  party  in  itic  MuuntaiiiR. — Joyful  Meeting. — 
HorseH  Ktoleii  by  t);e  Puii-iiak  liitiians. — A  iiuttlc,  and  six  Indians 
killed. — \Vc  rcfapturc  our  Horses. 

I  irAl)  been  in  St.  Louis  only  one  week,  when  Gen. 
Asiiley  came  to  me,  and  desired  me  to  return  to  the 
mountains  immediately,  to  carry  dispatches  to  Mr.  W. 
L.  Sul)let,  captain  of  the  trappers,  and  ottering  me  tlic 
magnificent  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars  for  the  trip. 
I  consented  to  go ;  La  Roche  and  Pellow  were  to  ac- 
company me.  A  journey  to  the  mountains  was  then 
called  two  thousand  miles,  through  a  country  consid- 
ered dangerous  even  for  an  army.  1  left  8t.  Louis 
this  time  with  extreme  reluctance.  It  is  a  severe  trial 
to  leave  one's  friends  ;  but  the  grief  of  separating  from 
father  and  all  other  relatives  sank  into  insigniticance 
when  contrasted  with  the  misery  of  separating  from 
one  in  particular — one  in  whom  all  my  aftections  were 
reposed,  and  upon  whom  all  my  hopes  of  the  future 
were  concentrated.  The  contemplation  of  the  anguish 
I  was  about  to  inflict  by  the  announcement  filled  my 
heart  with  sorrow.  One  week  more,  and  the  happy 
event  that  would  make  one  of  two  loving  hearts  would 
have  been  consummated. 

The  general's  business  was  urgent,  and  admitted  of 
no  delay ;  after  I  had  engaged,  not  a  day,  scarcely  an 
hour  was  to  be  lost.  The  thousand  dollars  I  was  to 
receive  looked  large  in  my  eyes ;  and  that,  added  to 
what  I  already  possessed,  would  the  better  prepare  me 


for  a 
the 
mere 
forme 
1 


JAMES    r.    nErKWOI'KTIl. 


in 


ikl 

of 

ian 

to 

to 

»e 


1 

i 


I 


for  a  matrimonial  voyage.  I  comforted  myself  with 
tlic  rcHection  that  my  services  were  conrined  to  the 
mere  delivering  of  the  dispatches ;  that  service  per- 
formed, 1  was  free  to  return  immediately. 

1  bid  my  aged  father  farewell — it  was  the  last  time 
I  saw  him.  To  my  other  IVicnds  1  said  ciicerfully  au 
nroi/;  expecting  to  rctnvn  to  tiiem  shortly. 

IJiit  my  greatest  conflict  was  to  come.  I  had  en- 
countered perils,  privation,  and  faced  death  itself;  I 
had  fouglit  savages  and  the  wild  beasts  of  the  mount- 
ains ;  but  to  a})proach  thiii  tender  lieart,  tiiat  had  been 
aHianced  to  my  own  for  years,  unmaimed  me.  That 
heart  that  was  then  so  light,  so  buoyant  with  hope,  so 
full  of  confidence  in  the  future,  that  1  must  plunge  in 
utter  darkness  by  the  intelligence  that  in  a  few  short 
hours  1  nmst  leave  her  I  (Jould  1  have  communicated 
it  to  her  by  fighting  a  score  of  Indians,  how  nmch  my 
2)ain  would  have  been  mitigated  I  Hut  time  was  ur- 
gent, and  the  sacred  obligation  to  the  lady  nmst  be 
performed. 

1  called  on  my  sweetheart ;  she  looked  more  love- 
ly than  ever.  She  remarked  my  troubled  looks. 
"James,"  she  said,  "you  look  saddened;  what  is  the 
matter?     Arc  yo a  unwell?" 

*'  No,  Eliza,  I  am  well ;  but—" 

"  But  what,  James  ?  What  has  happened  ?   Speak ! " 

Knowing  that  I  had  no  time  for  delay,  I  felt  it  my 
duty  to  break  the  news  to  her  at  once. 

"  ^ly  dear  girl,"  I  said,  "  I  have  loved  you  long  and 
ardently.  I  have  waited  to  see  if  the  affection  which 
you  shared  with  me  in  childhood  would  stand  the 
proof  of  maturer  years.  Wc  are  now  both  matured  in 
years,  and  are  capable  of  judging  our  own  hearts. 
Through  all  my  sufferings  and  dangers,  my  devotion 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


A 


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,<(^ 


^ 


^ 


:/, 


y. 


1.0 


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^1^  i^ 

■^  |3.2 

I"  m 

-    F4S    ill  2.0 


1.25  ■  1.4 


1.8 


1.6 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


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AITUJHOGKAPIIY    UF 


to  you  has  grown  with  my  growth  and  strcngtlicncd 
V  ith  my  strength.  Wc  have  decided  on  the  day  for 
our  indissoluble  union.  13ut,  Eliza,  I  am  yet  young ; 
my  means  of  supporting  you  as  1  could  wish  are  in- 
adequate. I  have  just  received  a  very  tempting  offer 
from  General  Ashley." 

"What  to  do,  James?" 

"  He  offers  me  one  thousand  dollars  to  carry  dis- 
patches to  the  mountains,  which  admits  of  my  imme- 
diate return." 

"And  are  you  going?" 

"  Tliat  is  what  1  have  come  to  inform  you,  Eliza. 
Understand  my  motive — it  is  solely  to  obtiin  the 
means  to  enable  us  to  start  the  fairer  in  life." 

"  I  care  not  for  money,  James,"  she  said,  bursting 
into  a  Hood  of  tears. 

My  lieart  sought  relief  from  its  overcharged  feeling 
in  the  same  way.  I  left  her  amid  her  sobs,  promising 
to  make  a  speedy  return,  and  that  we  would  part  no 
more  till  death  should  separate  us. 

The  general  had  furnished  us  with  two  good  saddle- 
horses  each,  and  one  stout  nnile  to  carry  our  bedding. 
We  mounted,  and,  leaving  St.  Louis,  were  soon  some 
miles  on  our  journey.  We  proceeded  up  the  ^lissouri 
liiver,  left  the  last  white  settlement,  and  issued  out 
into  the  wilderness.  We  proceeded  wiili  the  utmost 
caution  ;  always  halting  before  dark,  we  built  a  fire  and 
ate  our  sup})er ;  then  moving  on  farther  to  a  secure 
camping-p]ace,  we  lit  no  fire,  to  avoid  attracting  the 
Indians  to  us.  On  arriving  at  the  forks  of  the  Platte, 
we  held  a  council,  and  resolved  to  follow  up  the  north 
branch  to  its  source,  tliencc  cross  over  to  Green  River, 
thus  striking  it  mucli  higher  up  tjvin  we  had  ever  been 
on  tliat  stream  before.      We  proceeded  accordingly — 


.JAMi:«    r.    HKCKWOI'UTII. 


iKi 


Here  wc  found  a  parly  belonging  to 
Winter  was  now  beginnino; 


crossed  (.Irccn  River,  and  held  our  course  to  the  head 

of  Salt  Kiver. 

tlie  generaFs  company. 

to  set  in,  and  it  was  time  for  the  whole  company  to  go 

into  winter  quarters.     As   nearly  as  1  can  recollect, 

this  was  the  end  of  October,  1823. 

A  place  of  rendezvous  had  been  previously  agreed 
upon,  and  as  it  Avas  certain  that  the  various  parties 
would  soon  assemble,  1  concluded  to  proceed  to  the 
rendezvous,  and  wait  the  arrival  of  Sublet,  for  the  de- 
livery of  my  dispatches,  rather  tiian  undertake  a  search 
for  him  in  the  mountain  wilderness.  I  and  my  com- 
panions, therefore,  continued  with  the  party  until  we 
reached  the  rendezvous.  The  parlies,  one  after  the 
other,  came  slowly  in,  and  Sublet's  was  the  last  to 
arrive.  It  was  now  too  late  for  me  to  return,  and  I 
had  no  alternative  but  to  wait  until  spring. 

Our  present  rendezvous  was  in  Cache  Valley,  but 
Sublet  gave  orders  for  all  to  remove  to  Salt  Lake, 
which  was  but  a  few  miles  distant,  and  then  go  into 
winter  quarters.  We  accordingly  moved  to  the  mouth 
of  "Weaver's  Fork,"  and  established  ourselves  there. 
When  all  were  collected  together  for  the  winter,  our 
community  numbered  from  six  to  seven  hundred  souls 
(from  two  to  three  hundred  consisting  of  women  and 
children),  all  strong  and  healthy  as  bears,  and  all  hav- 
ing experienced  very  good  success. 

Shortly  after  we  had  become  well  settled  down,  we 
had  the  misfortune  to  lose  about  eighty  horses,  stolen 
one  dark,  stormy  night  by  the  Pitn-naA's^  a  tribe  in- 
habiting the  head  v,aters  of  the  Columbia  River.  On 
missing  them  the  next  day,  we  formed  a  party  of  about 
forty  men,  and  followed  their  trail  on  foot — the  ground 
was  covered  with  snow  at  the  time.     E  volunteered 


94 


ALTOBlOGliAi'HV    OF 


with  the  rest,  although  fortunately  my  horses  were  not 
among  the  missing.  After  a  pursuit  of  five  days  we 
arrived  at  one  of  their  villages,  where  we  saw  our 
own  horses  among  a  number  of  others.  We  then 
divided  our  forces,  Fitzpatrick  taking  command  of  one 
party,  and  a  James  Bridger  of  the  other. 

The  plan  resolved  upon  was  as  follows  :  Fitzpatrick 
was  to  charge  the  Indians,  and  cover  Bridger's  party, 
while  they  stampeded  all  4;he  horses  they  could  get 
away  with.  I  formed  one  of  Captain  Bridger's  party, 
this  being  the  first  affair  of  the  kind  I  had  ever  wit- 
nessed. Every  thing  being  in  readiness,  we  rushed  in 
upon  the  horses,  and  stampeded  from  two  to  three 
hundred,  Fitzpatrick  at  the  same  time  engaging  the 
Indians,  who  numbered  from  three  to  four  hundred. 
The  Indians  recovered  a  great  number  of  the  horses 
from  us,  but  we  succeeded  in  getting  off  with  the  num- 
ber of  our  own  missing,  and  forty  head  besides.  In 
the  engagement,  six  of  the  enemy  were  killed  and  scalp- 
ed, while  not  one  of  our  party  received  a  scratch.  The 
horses  we  had  captured  were  very  fine  ones,  and  >ur 
return  to  the  camp  was  greeted  with  the  liveliebL  :<m- 
onstrations. 

We  found,  on  our  return  from  the  above  marauding 
expedition,  an  encampment  of  Snake  Indians,  to  the 
number  of  six  hundred  lodges,  comprising  about  two 
thousand  five  hundred  warriors.  They  had  entirely 
surrounded  us  with  their  encampments,  adding  very 
materially  to  our  present  population.  They  were  per- 
fectly friendly,  and  we  apprehended  no  danger  from 
their  proximity.  It  appears  this  was  their  usual  re- 
sort for  spending  the  winter ;  and,  after  pitching  their 
lodges,  which  are  composed  of  skins,  they  proceeded  to 
build  a  large  "  medicine  lodge." 


T 

Pari 

ymo^ 

Testj 

ocraci 

drear 

not 


JAMES   r.  BECKWOURTH. 


95 


ir 
io 


The  word  medicine  (or,  as  they  call  it,  Barchk- 
Parehk)  signifies  a  prophet  or  dreainer,  and  is  synon- 
ymous with  the  word  prophet  as  employed  in  the  Old 
Testament.  The  Indian  form  of  government  is  a  the- 
ocracy, and  the  viedicine  inan  is  the  high-priest.  His 
dreams  or  prophecies  are  sacred ;  if  his  predictions  are 
not  verified  in  the  result,  the  fault  is  with  themselves ; 
tliey  had  disregarded  some  of  his  instructions.  When 
by  accident  his  dreams  are  exactly  verified,  their  con- 
fidence in  their  prophet  exceeds  all  belief.  The  "  med- 
icine lodge"  is  the  tabernacle  of  the  wilderness,  the 
habitation  of  the  Great  Spirit,  the  sacred  ark  of  their 
faith. 

Our  long  residence  with  the  Snake  tribe  afforded  us 
an  excellent  opportunity  of  acquainting  ourselves  with 
the  domestic  character  of  the  Indians.  They  often 
invited  us  into  their  medicine  lodge  to  witness  their 
religious  ceremonies  and  listen  to  their  prophcsyings. 
The  name  of  the  old  prophet  was  0-mo-gua^  which  in 
English  means  woman's  dress.  One  evening  he  de- 
livered a  prophecy  for  us. 

"I  can  see,"  said  he,  "white  people  on.  Big  Shell 
(Platte  River) ;  I  see  them  boring  a  hole  in  a  red 
bucket;  I  see  them  drawing  out  medicine  water  (whis- 
ky); I  see  them  fighting  each  other;  but  Fate  (Sublet) 
has  gone  down  on  the  other  side  of  the  river :  he  does 
not  see  them.  He  has  gone  to  the  white  lodges. 
Where  are  you  going  ?" 

*'  We  are  going,"  answered  Fitzpatrick,  "  to  trap  on 
Bear  Head  and  the  other  small  streams  in  the  country 
of  the  Black  Feet." 

"No,"  said  the  prophet,  "you  will  go  to  Sheep 
Mountain ;  there  you  will  find  the  y'.now  so  deep  that 
you  can  not  pass.     You  will  then  go  down  Port  Neif 


90 


Al'T(JJUO(;JlAI*IIV    OF 


to  8nako  Ttlvcr.  If  you  arc  fortunate  you  \vlll  dis- 
cover the  IJluck  Feet  before  tliey  sec  yon,  and  you  will 
beat  tlieni.  If  tliey  discover  you  lirst,  tliey  ^vill  rul) 
you  all  out — kill  you  all.  J>ad  Hand  (Fitzpatriek),  L 
tel)  you  there  is  blood  in  your  path  this  grass.  If 
you  beat  the  ]51aek  Feet,  you  will  retrace  your  steps 
and  go  to  Bear  Kiver,  whose  water  you  will  follow  un- 
til you  come  to  Sage  River.  'J'here  you  will  meet  two 
white  men  who  will  give  you  news." 

To  return  to  my  narrative:  ^Ir.  Sublet,  having  left 
the  camp  in  con)])any  Avilh  my  old  companion,  ]\lr. 
Harris,  before  we  returned,  had  left  a  letter  of  instruc- 
tions for  Fitzpatrick,  desiring  him  to  remove  our  camp 
as  early  in  the  spring  as  possible  back  to  Cache  \'al- 
ley,  and  to  repair  to  Weaver's  Lake,  where  he  would 
rejoin  him.  Sublet  and  Harris  had  parted  for  St. 
Ijouis,  which  they  reached  in  safety  after  a  journey  in 
mid- winter. 

Wc  spent  the  winter  very  comfortably,  rnd  at  the 
opening  of  spring  we  all  moved — whites  and  Indians 
— back  to  Cache  Valley.  Soon  after  we  arrived  we 
commenced  digging  caches  to  secure  seventy-five  packs 
of  beaver-skins  in  the  possession  of  our  party.  While 
di2:2;ina:  a  cache  in  the  bank,  the  earth  caved  in,  killing; 
two  of  our  party,  who  were  Canadians.  The  Indians 
claimed  the  privilege  of  burying  them,  which  ceremony 
they  performed  by  hoisting  them  up  in  trees.  This 
has  ever  been  the  method  of  disposing  of  the  dead 
with  most,  if  not  all,  of  the  Rocky  ]\Iountain  tribes. 
The  body  is  securely  wrapped  in  blankets  and  robes 
fastened  wntli  thongs,  in  which  are  inclosed  the  war 
implements,  pipes,  and  tobacco  of  the  deceased.  If 
he  had  been  a  warrior,  his  war-horse  is  killed  and  bur- 
ied, together  with  his  saddle  and  other  implements,  at 
the  foot  of  the  same  tree. 


JAMEH    i\  HECKWOriiTH. 


9; 


c 


One  more  accid  iit  occurred,  wliich  at  first  occasion- 
ed us  considerable  alarm,  bctbre  wc  quitted  Cache  Val- 
ley on  our  excursion.  One  of  our  men  was  out  hunt- 
ing, and  coming  across  an  antelope,  as  he  supposed, 
lired  at  the  animal's  head,  and  killed  it.  On  going  to 
cut  the  animal's  throat,  to  his  surprise  he  found  he  had 
killed  one  of  the  Snake  Indians,  who  had  put  on  this 
disguise  to  decoy  the  antelopes  near  him.  This  was 
an  accident  that  we  deeply  lamented,  as  the  Snakes 
were  very  friendly  toward  us.  Before  the  Indians  dis- 
covered the  accident,  we  held  a  council,  and  resolved 
to  make  a  precipitate  retreat,  as  we  felt  very  distrust- 
ful of  the  consequences.  While  we  were  preparing  to 
start,  tiie  chief  came  among  us,  and  was  greatly  sur- 
prised at  our  sudden  departure,  especially  as  we  had 
given  him  no  previous  notice.  Wc  excused  ourselves 
by  saying  we  were  going  to  engage  in  hunting  and 
trapping.  lie  then  asked  what  ailed  us,  saying  we  all 
looked  terrified,  and  wished  to  know  what  had  hap- 
pened. Fitzpatrick  at  length  told  him  what  had  taken 
place,  and  how  it  came  to  pass. 

"  Oh,*'  said  the  chief,  "  if  that  is  what  you  are  alarm- 
ed at,  take  off  your  packs  and  stay.  The  Indian  war 
a  fool  to  use  a  decoy  when  he  knew  the  antelope  came 
into  the  sage  every  day,  and  that  the  white  men  shoot 
all  they  see." 

He  then  made  a  speech  to  his  warriors,  telling  them 
vrhat  had  happened,  and  ordered  some  of  his  men  to 
bring  in  the  dead  Indian.  Then  turning  to  us,  he 
said,  "You  and  the  Snakes  are  brothers;  we  are  all 
friends  ;  we  can  not  at  all  times  guard  against  accident. 
You  lost  two  of  your  warriors  in  the  bank,  the  Snakes 
have  just  lost  one.  Give  me  some  red  cloth  to  wrap 
up  the  bod  v.     We  will  bury  the  fallen  brave." 

E 


\)H 


AUTOBIUGKAPHY    OF 


\Vc  gave  the  chief  a  scarlet  blanket,  as  he  had  de- 
sired, and  all  was  well  again. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

The  Company  removes  from  Cache  Valley  on  a  Hunting  and  Trapping 
Excursion. — Discovery  of  a  Band  of  Black  Feet. — A  Battle  ensues 
with  them. — Description  of  the  Battle. — Return  to  Rendezvous. — 
Fulfillment  of  the  Medicine  Chief's  Prophecy. 

The  peltry  and  other  things  not  required  in  our 
expedition  being  all  safely  cached^  our  whole  party — 
numbering-  two  hi.ndrcd  and  fifty,  besides  women  and 
children — left  Cache  Valley  for  the  country  of  the 
Black  Feet,  expecting  to  make  a  profitable  liunt.  I  had 
engaged  to  the  J^'ur  Company  for  the  spring  hunt  for  the 
sum  of  five  hundred  dollars,  with  the  privilege  of  tak- 
ing for  servant  the  widow  of  one  of  the  men  who  had 
been  killed  in  the  bank.  She  was  of  light  complexion, 
smart,  trim  and  active,  and  never  tired  \^  her  efforts  to 
please  me,  she  seeming  to  think  that  she  belonged  to 
me  for  the  remainder  of  her  life.  I  had  never  had  a 
servant  before,  and  I  found  her  of  great  service  to  me 
in  keeping  my  clothes  in  repair,  making  my  bed,  and 
taking  care  of  my  weapons. 

"VYe  kept  on  till  we  came  to  Sheep-horn  Mountain, 
but,  finding  it  impassable  for  the  snow,  we  changed  our 
course,  and  proceeded  down  the  Port  Neif  until  we  ar- 
rived at  its  junction  with  the  Snake  River,  one  of  the 
main  branches  of  the  Columbia.  No  trappers  having 
preceded  us  on  the  Port  Neif,  we  met  with  excellent 
success  all  the  way  to  the  junction,  a  course  which  oc- 
cupied us  three  weeks.  An  advanced  party  arriving  at 
the  junction  before  the  main  body  came  up,  immediate- 


ly u 
Sna 
wJio 
force 
hunt 
fifty 
polio 
we  kc 
ccivc( 
tliem, 
No 
selves 
our  ca 
side, 
knew 
their  i 
determ 
being 
watch  1 
stantly 
were  al 
could  s 
entertai 
conside: 
strong  I 
could  e: 
At  d£ 
dians!  t 
ing,  we 
stolen,  n 
cry  then 
them  do' 
and  six  ( 
^y  scalpe 


JAMES    r.    BECKWOURTII. 


99 


a 


ly  upon  landing  discovered  Indians  coming  down  the 
Snake  River.  Tliey  "were  not  perceived  by  the  Indians, 
who  were  as  yet  at  a  considerable  distance.  Our  whole 
force  was  soon  prepared  to  meet  them.  Leaving  one 
hundred  men  in  camp,  the  remaining  one  hundred  and 
iifty  marched  up  the  river,  keeping  in  the  timber ;  our 
policy  being  to  retain  our  foes  in  the  open  prairie,  while 
we  kept  the  protection  of  the  woods.  At  last  they  per- 
ceived us ;  but,  seeing  that  we  had  the  advantage  of 
them,  they  made  signs  of  great  friendship. 

Not  wishing  to  be  the  aggressors,  we  contented  our- 
selves with  observing  the  enemy,  and  retired  toward 
our  camp,  without  any  hostile  demonstration  on  cither 
side.  Seeing  signal-smokes  arising  on  every  side,  we 
knew  an  attack  on  our  little  band  was  meditated  by 
their  thousands  of  moanted  warriors.  We  therefore 
determined  on  a  retreat  as  the  safest  course.  There 
being  many  Indians  about  our  camp,  it  required  a  strict 
watch  to  be  maintained,  every  man  having  his  gun  con- 
stantly in  hand,  and  the  priming  well  looked  to.  We 
were  able  to  convers(\  with  them,  as  many  of  our  men 
could  speak  their  language ;  but  they  still  pretended  to 
entertain  toward  us  feelings  of  the  "most  distinguished 
consideration."  We  encamped  that  night,  keeping  a 
strong  guard,  and  saw  all  around  us,  as  far  as  the  eye 
could  extend,  numerous  signal-fires. 

At  daylight  one  of  our  men  shouted,  "  Stop  the  In- 
dians !  stop  the  Indians !  My  rope  is  cut ! "  On  look- 
ing, we  found  that  three  of  our  best  horses  had  been 
stolen,  notwithstanding  our  unceasing  vigilance.  The 
cry  then  passed  around,  "  The  ropes  are  cut !  Shoot 
them  down !  shoot  them  down  !"  Rifles  began  to  crack, 
and  six  of  the  Indians  fell,  five  of  whom  were  instant- 
ly scalped  (for  the  scalps  are  taken  off  with  greater  ease 


luo 


AirOBlUUJiAl'HY    UF 


while  the  Lodies  arc  warm) ;  ami  tlic  remaining  Indian, 
luivino-crawlt.'d  into  the  river  aitcr  rcceivinii;  his  wound, 
his  scalp  was  lost.  ( )nc  of  their  chiefs  was  among  tlic 
slain.  He  was  shot  in  our  camp  before  he  had  time 
to  make  his  retreat  with  the  others,  who  all  ran  as  soon 
as  our  camp  was  alarmed. 

iS'ot  a  moment  was  then  to  be  lost.  \N  e  knew  that 
their  signal-llres  would  cover  the  whole  prairie  with 
savages,  for  we  were  in  the  very  heart  of  their  country. 
J'acking  up,  in  a  few  minutes  we  were  on  the  retreat, 
which  we  })ressed  all  day.  We  encamped  the  same 
night,  as  the  Indians  did  not  see  fit  to  follow  us. 

Soon  after  this  occurrence  a  party  of  fur-trappers, 
consisting  of  twelve  men,  under  the  charge  of  one  Lo- 
gan, left  our  com])any  to  try  their  fortune,  but  were 
never  heard  of  afterward.  Every  exertion  Avas  subse- 
quently made  to  obtain  some  clew  to  the  cause  of  their 
disap2)earancc,  but  nothing  was  ever  learned  of  them. 
Beyond  doubt,  they  fell  victims  to  the  treachery  of  the 
J^lack  Feet. 

Our  party  continued  trapping  up  the  Port  Neif  until 
we  came  to  Sheep  ^lountain,  which  we  passed  without 
ditticulty,  the  snow  having  by  this  time  disappeared. 
We  proceeded  on  to  ]5ear  Kiver,  and  continued  trap- 
ping upon  that  stream  and  its  tributaries  until  we 
reached  Sage  River,  where,  very  unexpectedly,  and  to 
our  utter  surprise,  we  met  "two  white  men,"  Black 
Harris  and  my  old  friend  Portuleuse. 

This  verification  of  the  prediction  of  the  old  chief 
was,  to  say  the  least,  a  remarkable  coincidence,  and 
one  not  easily  accounted  for. 

Our  two  friends  informed  us  that  they  were  from  St. 
Louis,  and  had  left  General  Ashley  and  Sublet  but  a 
short  distance  in  the  rear.    We  took  up  our  traps  and 


.lAMKH    r.    IU;(KW01I1   "H. 


101 


moved  immediately  to  Weaver  Tiakc,  and  formed  a  ren- 
dezvous to  wait  the  arrival  of  the  general  and  Sublet. 

While  resting  there,  a  party  of  sixteen  Flat  Heads 
came  to  our  camp,  and  informed  us  that  there  were 
tliirty  wliite  men,  with  women  and  children,  encamped 
on  a  creek  twelve  or  iifteen  miles  distant.  I'iiey  stated 
that  the  party  had  twenty-six  guns,  Imt  that  their  ani- 
numition  was  expended.  Having  some  splendid  hors- 
es, in  the  very  Lest  condition,  I  proposed  to  go  and  take 
them  some  ammunition,  in  the  event  of  their  having 
need  ibr  it  on  their  way  to  our  camp.  IVovo,  Jarvey, 
and  myself  mounted  three  of  our  llcctcst  steeds,  and 
found  the  party  in  camp.  As  we  had  expected,  we 
found  they  were  Campbell's  party,  among  whom  were 
many  of  our  personal  friends.  They  had  met  with 
very  good  fortune  in  their  cnii.s(\  and  had  lost  none  of 
their  men.  Wc  encamped  with  them  that  night,  and 
escorted  them  to  the  rendezvous  the  next  day. 

On  our  way  to  the  rendezvous  we  heard  singing  in 
our  rear,  and,  looking  in  the  direction  of  the  noise,  we 
discovered  a  party  of  five  hundred  mounted  Indians 
coming  directly  toward  us.  "  Flat  Heads !  Flat 
Heads !"  was  shouted;  and,  believin'g  them  to  be  such, 
I  and  my  two  friends  wheeled  to  go  and  meet  them. 
Approaching  within  a  short  distance,  to  our  horror  and 
surprise  we  discovered  they  were  Black  Feet — a  tribe 
who  prize  white  scalps  very  highly.  Wishing  to  take 
us  all  together,  probably,  they  ordered  us  back — an 
order  we  obeyed  with  alacrity,  and  we  speedily  gave 
the  alarm.  Placing  the  women  and  children  in  ad- 
van'*-'.,  and  directing  them  to  make  all  speed  to  a  patch 
of  willows  six  miles  in  front,  and  there  to  secure  them- 
selves, we  formed  to  hold  the  Indians  in  check.  The 
w^omen  made  good  time,  considering  the  jaded  state  of 


102 


AI'TOniOGRAPnY   OF 


their  animals,  for  they  were  all  accustomed  to  liorse- 
back-riding. 

By  this  time  the  Indians  had  commenced  charging 
upon  us,  not  so  furiously  as  was  their  wont,  but  they 
doubtless  considered  tiieir  prey  sure,  and,  farther,  did 
not  care  to  come  into  too  close  proximity  to  our  rifles. 
Situated  as  we  were,  it  was  impossible  for  them  to 
surround  us,  for  we  had  a  lake  on  one  side  and'  a 
mountain  on  the  other.  They  knew,  however,  that 
we  must  emerge  into  the  open  country,  where  their 
chance  of  attack  would  be  improved.  When  they  ap- 
proached too  near,  we  used  our  rifles,  and  always  with 
eftect ;  our  Avomen  the  mean  while  urging  on  their  an- 
imals with  all  the  solicitude  of  mothers,  who  knew  that 
capture  was  certain  death  to  their  oft'spring. 

The  firing  continued  between  botli  parties  during 
the  whole  time  uf  our  retreat  to  the  willows ;  in  fact, 
it  was  a  running  tight  through  the  whole  six  miles. 
On  the  way  wc  lost  one  man,  who  was  quite  old.  lie 
might  have  saved  himself  by  riding  to  the  front,  and  ] 
repeatedly  urged  him  to  do  so,  telling  him  that  ho 
could  not  assist  us ;  but  he  refused  even  to  spur  on 
his  horse  when  the  Indians  made  their  charges.  1 
tarried  with  liim,  urging  liim  on,  until  I  found  it  would 
be  certain  death  to  delay  longer.  My  horse  had 
scarcely  made  three  leaps  in  advance  when  I  heard 
him  cry,  *'OhGod,  I  am  wounded!"  Wheeling  my 
horse,  I  called  on  my  companions  to  save  him.  I  re- 
turned to  him,  and  found  an  arrow  trembling  in  his 
back.  I  jerked  it  out,  and  gave  his  horse  several  blows 
to  quicken  his  pace ;  but  the  poor  old  man  reeled  and 
fell  from  his  steed,  and  the  Indians  were  upon  him  in 
a  moment  to  tear  ofl*  his  scalp.  This  delay  nearly 
cost  two  more  Hves,  for  myself  nnd  Jarvey  were  sur- 


roun( 

yells 

clianc 

bank 

One  1 

<lirect 

into  tl 

order 

conipc 

Indian 

caping 

tllOUffll 

around 
more  fi 
very  si 
were  si 
Atl( 
lion  lia 
as  lonir 

c 
gone,  w 

ten  tim 

quarter' 

Eroqi 
tlie  won 
riod,"  h 
in  2)rotc 
memory 

Sixtc' 
ing  the 
led  the  ( 
two  rani 
every  th 
liorse  W£ 
a.  throng 


.lA^^IES    P.   BECKWOIRTH. 


Km 


rounded  with  the  Jilack  Feet,  and  tlicir  triumphant 
yells  told  us  they  felt  certain  of  their  prey.  Our  only 
chance  of  escape  was  to  leap  a  slough  liftccn  feet  from 
hank  to  hank,  which  we  vaulted  over  at  full  speed. 
r)nc  Indian  followed  us,  but  he  was  shot  in  the  hack 
directly  ujjon  reaching  the  hank,  and  hack  he  rolled 
into  the  ditch.  AVe  passed  on  around  the  slough  in 
order  to  join  our  companions,  hut  in  doing  so  were 
compelled  to  charge  directly  through  a  solid  rank  of 
Indians.  AVc  passed  with  the  rapidity  of  j)igcons,  es- 
caping without  any  damage  to  ourselves  or  horses,  al- 
though a  shower  of  arrows  and  hullcts  whistled  all 
around  us.  As  we  progressed,  their  charges  became 
more  frequent  and  daring ;  our  ammunition  now  grew 
very  short,  and  we  never  used  a  chaigc  without  we 
were  sure  of  its  paying  for  itself. 

At  length  we  gained  the  willows.  If  our  ammuni- 
tion had  been  plenty,  we  Avould  have  fought  them  here 
as  long  as  they  might  have  wished.  Wlien  all  was 
gone,  what  were  wc  to  do  with  an  enemy  more  than 
ten  times  our  number,  who  never  grants  or  receives 
quarter? 

Eroquey  proposed  one  bold  charge  for  the  sake  of 
the  women  and  children.  "  Let  us  put  our  trust  in 
God,"  he  exclaimed,  "and  if  we  arc  to  die,  let  us  fall 
in  protecting  the  defenseless.  They  will  honor  our 
memory  for  the  bravery  they  witnessed." 

Sixteen  of  us  accordingly  mounted  our  horses,  leav- 
ing the  remainder  to  hold  out  to  the  last.     Eroquey 


led  the  charge. 


In  our  fierce  onset  wc  broke  through 


two  ranks  of  mounted  Indians,  killing  and  overturning 
(^-very  thing  in  our  way.  Unfortunately,  my  beautiful 
horse  was  killed  in  his  tracks,  leaving  me  alone  amid 
11  throng  of  Indians.     I  was  wounded  with  an  arrow 


104 


AUTOBIOC+KAPHV   OF 


in  the  head,  the  scar  of  which,  with  many  other  wounds 
received  since,  I  shall  cany  to  my  grave.  My  boy 
Baptiste,  seeing  my  danger,  called  upon  his  comrades 
to  assist  him  to  save  his  brother.  They  charged  a 
second  time,  and  the  Indians  who  surrounded  me  were 
driven  back.  At  that  moment  Baptiste  rode  up  to  me ; 
[  sprang  on  the  saddle  behind  him,  and  retreated  in 
safety  to  the  willows.  The  foe  still  pressed  us  sore- 
ly, but  their  shots  produced  little  effect  except  to  cut 
off  the  twigs  of  the  bushes  which  formed  our  hiding- 
place  ;  as  for  charging  in  upon  us,  they  showed  some 
disinclination. 

To  hold  out  much  loiU^er  was  impossible.  Imme- 
diate assistance  must  be  had,  and  it  coi'ld  come  from 
no  other  place  than  our  camp.  To  risk  a  message 
there  seemed  to  subject  the  messenger  to  inevitable 
death;  yet  the  ilsk  must  bo  encountered  by  some 
one.  "  Who'll  go  ?  who'll  go  ?'*  was  asked  on  all  sides. 
I  was  wounded,  but  not  severely;  and,  at  a  time  so 
pressing,  I  hardly  knew  that  I  was  wounded  at  all. 
I  ft^id,  "Give  me  a  swift  horse,  and  I  will  try  to  force 
my  way.  Do  not  think  I  am  anxious  to  leave  you  in 
your  perilous  position." 

"You  will  run  the  greatest  risk,"  said  they.  "But 
if  you  go,  take  the  best  horse." 

Campbell  then  said  that  two  had  better  go,  for  there 
might  be  a  chance  of  one  living  to  reach  the  camp. 
Calhoun  volunteered  to  accompany  me,  if  he  had  his 
choice  of  horses,  to  which  no  one  raised  any  objection. 
Disrobing  ourselves,  then,  to  the  Indian  costume,  and 
tying  a  handkerchief  round  our  heads,  we  mounted 
horses  as  fleet  as  the  wind,  and  bade  the  little  band 
adieu.  ' '  God  bless  you ! "  shouted  the  men ;  the  wom- 
en cried,  "  The  Great  Spirit  preserve  you,  my  friends." 


.lAMKH    1'.    BE(JKVVOi:UTII. 


105 


u 


id 

\d 
d 


Again  we  dashed  tlirough  the  ranks  of  the  foe  be- 
fore they  had  time  to  comprehend  our  movement.  The 
balls  and  arrows  flew  around  us  like  hail,  but  we  es- 
caped uninjured.  Some  of  the  Indians  darted  in  pur- 
suit of  us,  but,  seeing  they  could  not  overtake  us, 
returned  to  their  ranks.  Our  noble  steeds  seemed  to 
fully  understand  the  importance  of  the  mission  they 
were  going  on.  When  about  five  miles  from  the 
camp  we  saw  a  party  of  our  men  approaching  us  at  a 
slow  gallop.  We  halted  instantly,  and,  taking  our 
saddle-blankets,  signaled  to  them  first  for  haste,  and 
then  that  there  was  a  fight,  l^erceiving  this,  one  man 
wheeled  and  returned  to  the  camp,  while  the  others 
quickened  their  pace,  and  were  with  us  in  a  moment, 
although  they  were  a  mile  distant  when  we  made  the 
signal.  There  were  only  sixteen,  bat  on  they  rushed, 
eager  for  the  fray,  and  still  more  eager  to  save  our 
friends  from  a  horrible  massacre.  They  all  turned  out 
from  the  camp,  and  soon  the  road  was  lined  with  men, 
all  hurrying  along  at  the  utmost  speed  of  the  animals 
they  bestrode.  My  companion  and  I  returned  with 
the  first  party,  and,  breaking  once  more  through  the 
enemy' ^  line,  rode  back  into  the  willows,  amid  the 
cheert.  of  our  companions  and  the  loud  acclamations 
of  the  women  and  children,  who  now  breathed  more 
freely  again.  The  Indians  were  surprised  at  seeing  a 
re-enforcement,  and  their  astonishment  was  increased 
when  they  saw  a  whole  line  of  men  coming  to  our  as- 
sistance. They  instantly  gave  up  tlie  battle  and  com- 
menced a  retreat.  We  followed  them  about  two  miles, 
until  we  came  to  the  body  of  Bolliere — the  old  man 
that  had  been  slain ;  we  then  returned,  bringing  his 
mangled  remains  with  us. 

On   our  siae  we  lost  four   men   killed  and  seven 

E  2 


100 


yVL'TOBIOURAPlIV    Ol' 


wounded.  Not  a  woman  or  child  was  injured.  From 
the  enemy  wc  took  seventeen  scalps,  most  of  them 
near  the  willows  ;  those  that  we  killed  on  the  road  we 
could  not  stop  for.  We  were  satisfied  they  had  more 
than  a  hundred  slain ;  but  as  they  always  carry  off 
their  dead,  we  could  not  ascertain  the  exact  numhcr. 
Wc  also  lost  two  packs  of  heavers,  a  icw  packs  of 
meat,  together  with  some  valuable  horses. 

After  attending  to  our  wounded,  we  all  proceeded 
to  camp,  where  the  scalp-danco  was  j)erformed  by  all 
the  half-breeds  and  women,  many  of  the  mountaineers 
taking  part  in  the  dance.  The  battle  lasted  live  hours, 
and  never  in  my  whole  life  had  I  run  such  danger  of 
losing  my  life  and  scalp.  I  now  began  to  deem  my- 
self Indian-proof,  and  to  think  I  never  should  be  kill- 
ed by  them. 

The  reader  will  wonder  how  a  contest  could  last 
that  length  of  time  when  there  were  but  thirty  to  op- 
pose live  hundred  men,  and  we  not  meet  with  a  great- 
er loss.  Jt  is  accounted  for  by  the  Indian  mode  of 
warfare.  The  Indian  is  a  poor  marksman  with  a  gun, 
more  especially  on  horseback,  and,  to  kill  with  their  ar- 
rows, they  must  be  near  their  mark.  They  often  shoot 
their  arrows  when  their  horse  is  in  full  speed,  and, 
unless  they  arc  very  near  their  object,  they  seldom 
take  effect.  When  tney  hunt  the  buffalo,  their  horses 
arc  trained  to  keep  by  the  side  of  their  destined  victim 
until  the  arrow  is  discharged ;  then  springing  directly 
away,  he  escapes  the  charge  of  the  infuriated  animal, 
which  becomes  dangerous  as  soon  as  wounded.  Un- 
like the  Indians,  we  seldom  discharged  our  guns  unless 
sure  of  our  man,  for  we  had  no  ammunition  to  waste. 

Our  victory  was  considered,  under  the  circumstances, 
a  glorious  one,  and  all  who  participated  in  the  battle 


JAMES    P.  BECKWOURTH. 


lu^ 


our  comjtanions  laudcjcl  to  the  skies.  The  women,  too, 
liiiilcd  us  as  the  "  bravest  of  the  Lravc,"  knowing  that 
we  liad  preserved  them  from  a  captivity  to  wliieh  death 
were  preferable. 

Two  days  after  the  battle  wc  were  again  rejoined  by 
our  friends,  the  Snakes,  to  the  number  of  four  thou- 
sand. They  all  took  part  in  our  scalp-dance,  and  such 
a  scene  of  rejoicing  as  wc  held  has  seldom  been  wit- 
nessed in  the  mountains.  They  deeply  lamented  that 
they  had  not  come  in  season  to  take  part  in  the  battle, 
so  that  not  one  of  the  Black  Feet  coul  1  have  escaped. 
Their  wishes  for  battle,  however,  were  soon  after  grat- 
ified. 

The  absent  parties  began  to  arrive,  one  after  the 
other,  at  the  rendezvous.  Shortly  after.  General  Ash- 
ley and  Mr.  Sublet  came  in,  accompanied  with  three 
hundred  pack  mules,  well  laden  with  goods  and  all 
things  necessary  for  the  mountaineers  and  the  Indian 
trade.  It  may  well  be  supposed  that  the  arrival  of 
such  a  vast  amount  of  luxuries  from  the  East  did  not 
pass  off  without  a  general  celebration.  Mirth^  songs, 
dancing,  shouting,  trading,  running,  jumping,  singing, 
racing,  target-sliooting,  yarns,  frolic,  with  all  sorts  of 
extravagances  that  white  men  or  Indians  could  invent, 
were  freely  indulged  in.  The  unpacking  of  the  med- 
icine water  contributed  not  a  little  to  the  heightening 
of  our  festivities. 

We  had  been  informed  by  Harris,  previous  to  the 
arrival  of  the  general,  that  General  Ashley  had  sold 
out  his  interest  in  the  mountains  to  Mr.  Sublet,  em- 
bracing all  his  properties  and  possessions  there.  He 
now  intended  to  return  to  St.  Louis,  to  enjoy  the  for- 
tune he  had  amassed  by  so  much  toil  and  suffering, 
and  in  which  he  had  so  largely  shared  in  person. 


lub 


ACTOBUHiRAiHY    Ob' 


CHAPTER  X. 

Great  Battle  with  the  Black  Feet. — Departure  of  General  Ashley. — 
His  Farewell  Speech  to  the  Mountaineers. — Removal  of  our  Ren- 
dezvous.— Peace  between  the  Flat  Heads  and  Black  Feet. — Trad- 
ing-post at  their  Village. — I  become  Son-in-law  to  the  Black  Foot 
Chief. — Trouble  in  the  Family. — Wife  punished  for  Disobedience 
— Troubled  Waters  finally  stilled. 

Two  days  after  the  arrival  of  the  general,  the  tocsin 
again  sounded  through  our  whole  camp,  "  The  Black 
Feet!  the  Black  Feet !"  On  they  came,  making  the 
very  earth  tremble  with  the  tramp  of  their  fiery  war- 
horses.  In  their  advance  they  surprised  three  men 
and  two  women  belonging  to  the  Snakes,  who  were 
out  some  distance  from  camp,  gathering  roots.  The 
whole  five  were  instantly  overtaken,  killed,  and  scalped. 

As  soon  as  the  alarm  was  given,  the  old  prophet 
came  to  our  camp,  and,  addressing  Mr.  Sublet,  said, 

"Cut  Face,  three  of  my  warriors  and  two  women 
have  just  been  killed  by  the  Black  Feet.  You  say 
that  your  warriors  can  fight  —  that  they  are  great 
braves.  Now  let  me  see  them  fight,  that  I  may  know 
your  words  are  true." 

Sublet  replied,  "You  shall  see  them  fight,  and  then 
you  will  know  that  they  are  all  braves — that  I  have  no 
cowards  among  my  men,  and  that  we  are  all  ready  to 
die  for  our  Snake  friends." 

"Now,  men,"  added  he,  turning  to  us,  -'I  want  ev- 
ery brave  man  to  go  and  fight  these  Black  Feet,  and 
whip  them,  so  that  the  Snakes  may  see  that  we  can 
light,  and  let  us  do  oui-  best  before  them  as  a  warning 


to 
w 


JAMES    1*.   BECKWOirKTH. 


10^) 


lo 


to  them.  E-emembcr,  I  want  none  to  join  in  this  battle 
who  are  not  brave.    Let  all  cowards  remain  in  camp." 

Every  man  was  impatient  to  take  part ;  but,  seeing 
that  his  camp  would  be  deserted  and  his  goods  ex- 
posed, he  detained  quite  a  number,  as  well  to  guard 
the  goods  as  to  keep  the  general  company,  he  not  wish- 
ing to  take  part  in  the  battle. 

There  were  over  three  hundred  trappers  mounted  in 
.1  few  moments,  who,  with  Captain  Sublet  at  their  head, 
charged  instantly  on  the  enemy.  The  Snake  wamors 
were  also  on  hand,  thirsting  to  take  vengeance  on  the 
Black  Feet  for  the  five  scalps  of  their  friends.  After 
retreating  before  us  about  five  miles,  they  formed  in  a 
place  of  great  security,  in  a  deep  hollow  on  the  border 
of  the  lake.  At  our  arrival,  the  battle  recommenced 
in  good  earnest.  We  and  our  allies  fought  them  for 
about  six  hours,  they  certainly  displaying  great  in- 
trepidity, for  they  would  repeatedly  issue  from  their 
stronghold  and  make  a  bold  sortie  against  us.  AVhen 
intrenched  in  their  position,  they  had  a  great  advant- 
age over  us,  as  it  was  difficult  for  a  man  to  approach 
them  without  being  shot,  and  to  charge  on  them  as 
they  were  situated  would  have  occasioned  us  great 
loss  of  life.  One  Indian  issuing  from  their  position 
was  shot  through  the  back  bone,  thus  depriving  his 
legs  of  all  power  of  motion.  Seeing  him  fall,  Sublet 
said  to  me,  "Jim,  let  us  go  and  haul  him  away,  and 
get  his  scalp  before  the  Indians  draw  him  in." 

We  went,  and,  seizing  each  a  leg,  started  toward  our 
lines  with  him :  the  wounded  Indian  grasping  the  grass 
with  both  hands,  we  had  to  haul  with  all  our  strength. 
An  Indian,  suddenly  springing  over  their  breast-work, 
struck  me  a  heavy  blow  in  the  back  with  his  gun, 
causing  me  to  loose  hold  of  my  les;  and  run.     Both  I 


110 


AL'TOBIOGKAPHY    UF 


and  my  companion  were  unarmed ;  and  I,  not  knowing 
how  many  blows  were  to  follow,  deemed  discretion  on 
this  particular  occasion  the  better  part  of  valor.  Sublet 
made  a  strong  demonstration  against  my  assailant  with 
his  fists,  at  the  same  time  calling  me  back  and  cursing 
me  foi  running.  I  returned,  and,  together,  we  dragged 
the  Indian  to  one  of  our  men,  also  wounded,  for  him 
to  dispatch.  But  the  poor  fellow  had  not  strength 
sufficient  to  perforate  the  Indian's  skin  with  his  knife, 
and  we  were  obliged  to  perform  the  job  ourselves. 

After  six  hours'  fighting,  during  which  time  a  num- 
ber of  the  enemy  were  slain,  we  began  to  want  nour- 
ishment. Sublet  requested  our  allies  "  to  rub  out"  all 
their  foes  while  we  went  and  procured  refreshment ; 
but  on  our  leaving,  they  followed  us,  and  wc  all  ar- 
rived in  camp  together.  On  our  return  to  the  field  of 
battle  we  found  the  Black  Feet  were  gone,  having  de- 
parted precipitately,  as  they  had  left  a  number  of  their 
dead,  a  thing  unusual  with  the  Indians.  The  fruits 
of  our  victory  were  one  hundred  and  seventy-three 
scalps,  with  numerous  quivers  of  arrows,  war-clubs, 
battle-axes,  and  lances.  We  also  killed  a  number  of 
their  horses,  which  doubtless  was  the  reason  of  their 
leaving  so  many  of  their  dead  on  the  field  of  battle. 
The  trappers  had  seven  or  eight  men  wounded,  but 
none  killed.  Our  allie?  lost  eleven  killed  in  battle, 
besides  the  five  blain  before ;  but  none  of  those  killed 
in  battle  were  scalped. 

Had  this  battle  been  fought  in  the  open  plain,  but 
few  of  our  foes  could  have  escaped ;  and  even  as  it 
was,  had  we  continued  to  fight,  not  a  dozen  could  have 
got  away.  But,  considering  that  we  were  fighting  for 
our  allies,  we  did  not  exert  ourselves. 

As  usual  on  all  such  occasions,  our  victory  was  cel- 


ebrate 
confoi 

compi 

is,  tak: 

Previc 

into  h 

can  rei 

"M 

the  mc 

defatig 

cured  r 

dencc  i 

I  shall 

I  feel  1 

of  you 

ways  b 

you  ha 

friendl;^ 

one  an( 

and  dev 

the  grai 

lieart,  a: 

"My 

up  my  £ 

turn  th] 

house,  t( 

tered,  ai 

ford  you 

"I  n( 

Mountai 

God  ble; 

WeM 

was  a  m 


JAMES    V.    BECKWOURFU. 


Ill 


cbrated  in  camp,  and  the  exercises  lasted  several  days, 
conformably  to  Indian  custom. 

General  Ashley,  having  disposed  of  all  his  goods  and 
completed  his  final  arrangements,  departed  for  St.Lou- 
is,  taking  with  him  nearly  two  hundred  packs  of  beaver. 
Previous  to  his  dejDarture,  he  summoned  all  the  men 
into  his  presence,  and  addressed  them,  as  nearly  as  I 
can  recollect,  in  the  following  words : 

*'  Mountaineers  and  friends !  When  I  first  came  to 
the  mountains,  I  came  a  poor  man.  You,  by  your  in- 
defatigable exertions,  toils,  and  privations,  have  pro- 
cured me  an  independent  fortune.  With  ordinary  pru- 
dence in  the  management  of  what  I  have  accumulated, 
I  shall  never  want  for  any  thing.  For  this,  my  friends, 
I  feel  myself  under  great  obligations  to  you.  ]\Iany 
of  you  have  served  with  me  personally,  and  I  shall  al- 
ways be  proud  to  'testify  to  the  fidelity  with  which 
you  have  stood  by  me  through  all  danger,  and  the 
friendly  and  brotherly  feeling  which  you  have  ever, 
one  and  all,  evinced  toward  me.  For  these  faithful 
and  devoted  services  I  wish  you  to  accept  my  thanks  ; 
the  gratitude  that  I  express  to  you  springs  from  my 
heart,  and  will  ever  retain  a  lively  hold  on  my  feelings. 

"  My  friends  !  I  am  now  about  to  leave  you,  to  take 
up  my  abode  in  St.  Louis.  Whenever  any  of  you  re- 
turn thither,  your  first  duty  must  be  to  call  at  m\ 
house,  to  talk  over  the  scenes  of  peril  we  have  encoun- 
tered, and  partake  of  the  best  cheer  my  table  can  af- 
ford you. 

"  I  now  wash  my  hands  of  the  toils  of  the  Rocky 
Mountains.  Farewell,  mountaineers  and  friends!  jMay 
God  bless  you  all ! " 

We  were  all  sorry  to  part  with  the  general.  He 
was  a  man  of  untiring  enerery  and  perseverance,  cheer- 


112 


AlITOBIOORAFIiy    OF 


fully  enduring  every  toil  and  privation  with  his  men. 
When  they  were  short  of  food,  he  likewise  hungered ; 
he  bore  full  share  in  their  sufferings,  and  divided  his 
last  morsel  with  them.  There  was  always  something 
encouraging  in  his  manner ;  no  difficulty  dejected  him ; 
kind  and  generous  in  his  disjiosition,  lie  was  loved 
equally  by  all.  If,  which  was  seldom,  he  had  any 
disagreement  with  them,  if  he  discovered  himself  in 
fault,  lie  would  freely  acknowledge  his  error,  and  ask 
forgiveness. 

Before  he  left  he  had  a  word  of  advice  for  me. 
"James,"  he  commenced,  "since  I  have  been  here  I 
have  heard  much  of  your  exploits.  I  like  brave  men, 
but  I  fear  you  are  reckless  in  your  bravery.  Caution 
is  always  commendable,  and  especially  is  it  necessary 
in  encounters  with  Indians.  I  wish  you  to  be  careful 
of  yourself,  and  pay  attention  to  your  licaltli,  for,  with 
the  powerful  constitution  you  possess,  you  have  many 
valuable  years  before  you.  It  is  my  hearty  desire  to 
have  you  do  well,  and  live  to  a  good  old  age ;  correct 
your  fault  of  encountering  risks  for  the  mere  ostenta- 
tious display  of  your  courage.  Whenever  you  return 
home,  come  and  see  me,  James ;  you  will  be  a  thou- 
sand times  welcome  ;  ar  d,  should  you  ever  be  in  need 
of  assistance,  call  on  me  first.     Good-by." 

He  left  the  camp  amid  deafening  cheers  from  the 
whole  crowd.  I  did  not  see  him  again  until  the  year 
1886. 

At  the  general's  departure,  wc  broke  up  our  camp 
and  marched  on  to  the  country  of  the  Flat  Heads,  on 
the  Snake  Hiver.  On  our  arrival  at  the  new  rendez- 
vous, we  were  rejoiced  to  learn  that  peace  existed  be- 
tween the  two  nations — the  Flat  Heads  and  Black 
Feet,  and  that  they  were  in  friendly  intercourse  to- 


JAMES    P.   ni:(^KAVOlJRTM, 


II.S 


gcther. 


le 
ir 

fP 


k 


This  was  very  favorable  for  our  purpose  ;  for 
it  is  with  Indian  tribes  as  with  civilized  nations,  when 
at  war,  various  branehes  of  business  are  impoverished, 
and  it  becomes  inconvenient  for  those  engaged  in  them 
to  make  more  than  trifling  purchases,  just  for  the  sup- 
ply of  their  immediate  wants.  Hostilities  are  still 
more  destructive  to  Indian  commerce  than  to  that  of 
civilized  nations,  for  the  reason,  that  the  time  and  re- 
sources of  the  whole  community  arc  engaged  in  their 
prosecution.  The  "  sinews  of  war"  with  the  Indian 
mean,  literally,  himself  and  his  horse. 

We  spent  the  summer  months  at  our  leisure,  trad- 
ing with  the  Indians,  hunting,  sporting,  and  preparing 
for  the  fall  harvest  of  beaver.  We  made  acquaint- 
ance with  several  of  the  Black  Feet,  who  came  to  the 
post  to  trade.  One  of  their  chiefs  invited  Mr.  Sublet 
to  establish  a  branch  post  in  their  country,  telling  him 
that  they  had  many  people  and  horses,  and  plenty  of 
beaver,  and  if  his  goods  were  to  be  obtained  they  would 
trade  considerably ;  his  being  so  far  off  prevented  his 
people  coming  to  Mr.  Sublet's  camp. 

The  Indian  appearing  sincere,  and  there  being  a 
prospect  of  opening  a  profitable  trade.  Sublet  proposed 
to  establish  a  post  among  the  Black  Feet  if  any  of  the 
men  were  willing  to  risk  their  scalps  in  attending  it. 
I  offered  to  go,  although  I  was  well  aware  the  tribe 
knew  that  I  had  contributed  to  the  destruction  of  a 
number  of  their  braves ;  but,  to  the  Indian,  the  great- 
er the  brave,  the  higher  their  respect  for  him,  even 
though  an  enemy.  So,  taking  my  boy  Baptiste  and 
one  man  with  me,  we  packed  up  and  started  for  Beaver 
River,  which  is  a  branch  of  the  Missoui'i,  and  in  the 
heart  of  the  Black  Foot  country. 

On  our  arrival,  the  Indians  manifested  great  appear- 


114 


AL'TOniOGRAPIIY    OF 


jince  of  friendship,  and  were  higlily  pleased  at  Iiaving  a 
Irading-post  so  eonvcniently  at  hand.  I  soon  rose  to 
be  a  great  man  among  them,  and  the  chief  oifered  me 
liis  daughter  for  a  wife.  Considering  tliis  an  alliance 
tliat  would  guarantee  my  life  as  well  as  enlarge  my 
trade,  I  accepted  his  ofl'er,  and,  without  any  sujierflu- 
ous  ceremony,  became  son-in-law  to  As-as-to,  the  head 
chief  of  the  iJhick  Feet.  Att-as'to^  interpreted,  means 
heavy  shield.  To  me  the  alliance  was  more  offi'.ns'tvH 
than  defensive,  but  tlrrift  was  my  object  more  than 
Iiymcneal  enjoyments.  Trade  prosjjcred  greatly.  1 
purchased  beaver  and  horses  at  my  own  price.  ]\Iany 
times  I  bought  a  line  beaver-skin  for  a  butcher-knife 
or  a  plug  of  tobacco. 

After  a  residence  among  them  of  a  few  days,  I  liad 
slight  difficulty  in  my  family  aifairs.  A  party  of  In- 
dians came  into  camp  one  day,  bringing  with  thcni 
three  white  men's  scalps.  The  sight  of  them  made 
my  blood  boil  with  rage ;  but  there  was  no  help  for  it, 
so  I  determined  to  wait  witli  patience  my  day  of  re- 
venge. In  accordance  with  their  custom,  a  scalp-dance 
was  held,  at  which  there  was  much  additional  re- 
joicing. 

]\Iy  \c'»fe  came  to  me  with  the  information  that  her 
people  were  rejoicing,  and  that  she  wished  to  join  them 
in  the  dance. 

I  replied,  "No;  these  scalps  belonged  to  my  people; 
my  heart  is  crying  for  their  death ;  you  must  not  re- 
joice when  my  heart  cries ;  you  must  not  dance  when 
I  mourn." 

She  then  went  out,  as  I  supposed,  satisfied.  M^ 
two  white  friends,  having  a  great  curiosity  to  witness 
the  performance,  were  looking  out  upon  the  scene.  I 
reproved  them  for  wishing  to  witness  the  savage  re- 


iii:«;K\\oruTii  itmmii'.s  iiih  uisoukdiknt  wiff. 


JOIC 

(.) 

best 
all." 
Tl 
Tuki 
I  waf 
wilb 
bank 
her  h 
J  (1 
went 
Till 
(Icr  th 
tliund 
with  s 
com  pa 
hold  0 
intercs 
brethre 
peeling 
Byt 
"  Kill 
shouted 
Avhich  '. 
knew  tl 
Soon 
in  a  to 
hold!  V 
All  V 
"  Warri 
brothers 


She 


was 


.lAMKS    W    HKCKWuI'KTII. 


II 


joic'mgs  over  the  fall  of  white  nicu  wlio  Imil  probably 
lu'loni^'ed  to  our  own  company. 

One  of  tlieni  answenid,  "Well,  your  ■wife  is  the 
host  tlancer  of  the  whole  party  ;  she  out-danees  them 
alh" 

This  was  a  Hting  wliich  pierced  'uy  very  heart. 
Taking  my  battle-axe,  and  forcing  my.seif  into  the  ring, 
I  watched  my  opportunity,  and  struck  my  disobedient 
wife  a  heavy  blow  in  the  head  with  the  side  of  my 
battle-axe,  which  dropped  her  as  if  a  ball  had  pierced 
lier  heart. 

1  dragged  her  tlirougli  the  crowd,  and  left  lier ;  1  then 
went  back  to  my  tent. 

This  act  was  j)crformcd  in  such  a  bold  manner,  un- 
der the  very  noses  of  hundreds  of  them,  that  they  were 
thunderstruck,  and  for  a  moment  remained  motionless 
with  surprise.  AV  hen  J  entered  the  tent,  I  said  to  my 
companions,  "  There,  now,  you  had  better  prepare  to 
liold  on  to  your  own  scalps,  since  you  take  so  much 
Interest  in  a  celebration  over  those  of  your  murdered 
brethren."  Tlicir  countenances  turned  ashy  pale,  ex- 
pecting instant  death. 

By  this  time  the  whole  Indian  camp  was  in  a  blaze. 
"Kill  him!  kill  him!  burn  him!  burn  him!"  was 
shouted  throughout  the  camp  in  their  own  language, 
which  I  plainly  understood.  I  was  collected,  for  1 
knew  they  could  kill  me  but  once. 

Soon  I  heard  the  voice  of  my  father-in-law  crying, 
in  a  tone  wliicli  sounded  above  all,  "  Stop !  hold ! 
hold!  warriors!  listen  to  your  chief." 

All  was  hushed  in  an  instant,  and  he  continued: 
"Warriors!  I  am  the  loser  of  a  daughter,  and  her 
brothers  have  lost  a  sister;  you  have  lost  nothing. 
She  was  the  wife  of  the  trader;  I  gave  her  to  him. 


118 


AUTOniOGKAPHY   OF 


When  your  wives  disobey  your  commitnds,  you  kill 
ihcni ;  that  is  your  riglit.  That  thing  disobeyed  her 
husband;  he  told  her  not  to  dance;  she  disobeyed 
him  ;  she  had  no  cars  ;  he  killed  her,  and  he  did  right. 
lie  did  as  you  all  would  have  done,  and  you  shall  nei- 
ther kill  nor  harm  him  for  it.  1  promised  the  white 
chief  that,  if  he  would  send  a  trader  to  my  people,  1 
would  protect  him  and  return  him  unharmed ;  this  1 
must  do,  and  he  shall  not  be  hurt  here.  Warriors! 
wait  till  you  meet  him  in  battle,  or,  perhaps,  in  his 
owr  camp,  then  kill  him  ;  but  here  his  life  is  sacred. 
What  if  we  kill  them  all,  and  take  what  they  have  ? 
It  will  last  but  a  few  suns ;  we  shall  then  want  more. 
Whom  do  we  get  sach-o-pach  (powder)  from  ?  Wc 
get  it  from  the  whites ;  and  when  we  have  expended 
what  we  have,  we  must  do  without,  or  go  to  them  for 
When  we  have  no  powder,  can  we  fight  our 


more. 


enemies  with  plenty  ?  If  wc  kill  these  three  men, 
whom  I  have  given  the  word  of  a  chief  to  protect,  the 
white  chief  will  send  us  nr*  more,  but  his  braves  will 
revenge  the  death  of  their  brothers.  No,  no;  you 
shall  not  harm  them  here.  They  have  eaten  of  our 
meat,  and  drunk  of  our  water ;  they  have  also  smoked 
with  us.  When  they  have  sold  their  goods,  let  them 
return  in  peace." 

At  this  time  there  were  a  great  many  Flat  Heads 
at  the  Black  Foot  camp,  as  they  were  at  peace  with 
each  other.  After  the  speech  of  my  father-in-law,  a 
great  brave  of  the  Flat  Heads,  called  Bad  Hand,  re- 
plied, "  Hey !  you  are  yourself  again  ;  you  talk  well ; 
you  talk  like  As-as-to  again.  W^e  are  now  at  peace ; 
if  you  had  killed  these  men,  we  should  have  made  war 
on  you  again ;  we  should  have  raised  the  battle-axe, 
never  to  have  buried  it.     These  whites  are  ours,  and 


JAMES   P.   BECKVVOlIKTIf. 


119 


the  Flat  Heads  •would  have  revenged  their  deaths  if 
they  had  heen  iiillcd  in  your  camp." 

The  chief  then  made  a  loud  and  lono;  harariTie,  aft- 
or  which  all  became  quiet.  As-as-to  next  came  to  my 
camp  and  said,  "My  son,  you  have  done  light;  that 
woman  I  gave  you  had  no  sense ;  her  cars  were  stop- 
ped up ;  she  would  not  hearken  to  you,  and  you  had 
a  right  to  kill  her.  But  I  have  another  daughter,  who 
is  younger  than  she  was.  She  is  more  beautiful ;  she 
has  good  sense  and  good  ears.  You  may  have  her  in 
the  place  of  the  bad  one ;  she  will  hearken  to  all  you 
say  to  her.'' 

"  Well,"  thought  T,  "  this  is  getting  married  again 
before  I  have  even  had  time  to  mo  am."' 

But  I  replied,  "  Very  well,  my  father,  I  will  accept 
of  your  kind  offer,"  well  knowing,  at  the  same  time, 
that  to  refuse  him  would  be  to  offend,  as  he  would  sup- 
pose that  I  disdained  his  generosity. 

My  second  wife  was  brought  to  me. 
as  her  father  had  represented,  far  more  intelligent  and 
far  prettier  than  her  other  sister,  and  I  was  really  proud 
of  the  change.  I  now  possessed  one  that  many  a  war- 
rior had  performed  deeds  of  bloody  valor  to  obtain ;  for 
it  is  a  high  honor  to  get  the  daughter  of  a  great  chief 
to  wife,  and  many  a  bold  warrior  has  sacrificed  his  life 
in  seeking  to  attain  such  a  prize. 

During  the  night,  while  I  and  my  wife  were  quietly 
reposing,  some  person  crawled  into  our  couch,  sobbing 
most  bitterly.  Angry  at  the  intrusion,  I  asked  who 
was  there. 

"Me," answered  a  voice,  which,  although  well-nigh 
stifled  with  bitter  sobs,  I  recognized  as  that  of  my  oth- 
er wife,  whom  every  one  had  supposed  dead.  After 
lying  outside  the  lodge  senseless  for  some  hours,  she 
had  recovered  and  groped  her  way  to  my  bed. 


I  found  her. 


120 


AUTOBIOGKAPHY    OF 


"Go  away, "I  said,  "you  have  no  business  here;  1 
have  a  new  wife  now,  one  who  has  sense." 

*'l  will  not  go  away,"  she  repHed;  "my  cars  arc 
open  now.  I  was  a  fool  not  to  hearken  to  my  hus- 
band's words  when  his  heart  was  crying,  but  now  1 
liave  good  sense,  and  will  always  hearken  to  your 
words." 

It  did  really  seem  as  if  her  heart  was  broken,  and 
she  kept  lier  position  until  morning.  I  thought  my- 
self now  well  supplied  with  -vives,  having  tv^o  more 
than  I  cared  to  have ;  but  I  deemed  it  hardly  worth 
while  to  complain,  as  I  should  soon  leave  the  camp, 
wives  and  all. 

It  is  a  universal  adage,  "  When  you  are  among  Ro- 
mans, do  as  the  Romans  do."  I  conformed  to  the  cus- 
toms of  a  people  really  pagan,  but  who  regarded  them- 
selves both  enlightened  and  powerful.  I  was  risking 
my  life  for  gold,  that  I  might  return  one  day  with  plen- 
ty, to  share  with  her  I  tenderly  loved.  My  body  was 
among  the  Indians,  but  my  mind  was  far  away  from 
them  and  their  bloody  deeds.  Experience  has  reveal- 
ed to  me  that  civilized  man  can  accustom  himself  to 
any  mode  of  life  when  pelf  is  the  governing  principle — 
that  power  which  dominates  through  all  the  ramifica- 
tions of  social  life,  and  gives  expression  to  the  universal 
instinct  of  self-interest.  By  living  with  the  savages, 
and  becoming  familiar  with  their  deeds  of  injustice  and 
cruelty  —  witnessing  friends  and  companions  struck 
dowii  without  a  moment's  warning — if  a  man  has  feel- 
ing, in  a  short  time  it  becomes  callous  toward  the  re- 
lentless savage,  who  can  mock  the  dying  struggles  of 
the  white  man,  and  indulge  his  inhuman  joy  as  he  sees 
his  warm  life-blood  saturate  the  earth,  on  which,  a  few 
moments  since,  his  victim  stood  erect  in  seeming  se- 


JAMES   P.    BECKWOUKTII. 


121 


curlty.  ]\Iany  a  companion  have  I  seen  fall  in  the 
wild  prairie  or  the  mountain  forest,  dying  with  some 
dear  name  upon  his  lips,  his  body  left  as  food  for  the 
wild  beasts,  or  his  bones  to  whiten  in  the  trackless 
wilderness. 

It  will  be  said,  "  He  i.iight  have  st?'d  at  home,  and 
not  have  hazarded  his  life  amid  such  dangers."  So 
it  might  be  said  of  the  hardy  mariner,  whose  compass 
guides  him  through  all  parts  of  the  pathless  ocean. 
The  same  motive  impels  them  both  on  their  perilous 
career — self-interest,  which,  while  i:  gratiney  their  in- 
dividual desires,  at  the  same  time  enriches  and  ad- 
vances society,  by  adding  its  acquisitions  to  the  mart 
of  commerce. 

We  left  the  Black  Foot  country  after  a  stay  of  twenty- 
days,  having  purchased  thirty-nine  packs  of  beaver  and 
several  splendid  horses  at  a  sum  trifling  in  real  value, 
but  i^diat  they  considered  as  far  exceeding  the  worth 
of  their  exchanges.  The  chief  lent  us  an  escort  of  two 
hundred  and  iifty  mounted  warriors,  in  addition  to 
which  nearly  one  hundred  Flat  Heads  returned  with  us 
to  our  camp,  whom  we  met  the  second  day  on  our  road 
(they  having  become  alarmed  for  our  safety,  and  being 
on  the  way  to  revenge  our  deaths,  in  the  event  of  the 
Black  Feet  having  proved  treacherous).  On  our  arrival 
we  were  greeted  with  the  liveliest  expressions  of  joy. 
Presents  were  made  to  our  escort,  and  ]\Ir.  Sublet  sent 
my  father-in-law  a  valuable  gift  for  his  kindness  to  me, 
and  as  the  assurance  of  his  most  distinguished  consid- 
eration. I  also  sent  some  dress-patterns  to  my  wives, 
in  addition  to  the  presents  I  had  previously  made 
them.  The  Black  Feet,  apparently  well  satisfied,  re- 
turned to  their  homes. 

F 


122 


AUTUUIOUKAI'HY    OF 


CHArTEK  XL 

Removal  of  our  Rendezvous. — Battle  with  our  Friends,  the  Black  Feet. 
— A  Race  for  dear  Life. — Great  "Victory  over  the  Grovan  Band  of 
Black  Feet. 

After  we  had  rested  we  departed  for  Snake  River, 
making  the  Black  Foot  buttes  on  our  way,  in  order  to 
pass  through  the  buffalo  region.  I  received  a  severe 
lecture  from  Mr.  Sublet  for  my  rashness  while  at  the 
trading-post.  The  second  day  of  our  march,  one  of 
our  men,  while  fishing,  detected  a  party  of  Black  Feet 
in  the  act  of  stealing  our  horses  in  the  open  day.  But 
for  the  man,  they  would  have  succeeded  in  making  off 
with  a  great  number.  The  alarm  was  given,  and  we 
mounted  and  gave  immediate  chase.  The  Indians 
were  forty-four  in  number,  and  on  foot ;  there  ore  they 
became  an  easy  prey.  We  ran  them  into  a  thicket  of 
dry  bush,  which  we  surrounded,  and  then  fired  in  sev- 
eral places.  It  was  quite  dry,  and,  there  being  a  good 
breeze  at  the  time,  it  burned  like  chaff.  This  driving 
the  Indians  out,  as  fast  as  they  made  their  appearance 
we  shot  them  with  our  rifles.  Every  one  of  them  was 
killed ;  those  who  escaped  our  bullets  were  consumed 
in  the  fire ;  and  as  they  were  all  more  or  less  roasted, 
we  took  no  scalps.  None  of  our  party  were  hurt,  ex- 
cept one,  who  was  wounded  by  one  of  our  men. 

On  the  third  day  we  found  buffalo,  and  killed  great 
numbers  of  them  by  a  "  surround."  At  this  place  we 
lost  six  horses,  three  of  them  belonging  to  myself,  two 
to  a  Swiss,  and  one  to  Baptiste.  Not  relishing  the 
idea  of  losing  them  (for  they  were  splendid  animals), 


JAMES    P.    UECKWOIKTH. 


123 


ras 
led 
id, 
jx- 

jat 
Iwe 

|\vo 
the 


and  seeing  no  signs  of  Indians,  I  and  the  Swiss  start- 
ed along  the  back  track  in  pursuit,  with  the  under- 
standing that  we  would  rejoin  our  company  at  the 
Buttcs.  We  followed  them  -to  the  last  place  of  rendez- 
vous ;  their  tracks  were  fresh  and  plain,  but  we  could 
gain  no  sight  of  our  horses.  We  then  gave  up  the 
cliase,  and  encamped  in  a  thicket.  In  the  morning 
Ave  started  to  return,  and  had  not  proceeded  far,  when, 
hearing  a  noise  in  our  rear,  I  looked  round,  and  saw 
between  two  and  three  hundred  Indians  within  a  few 
hundred  yards  of  us.  They  soon  discovered  us,  and, 
from  their  not  making  immediate  pursuit,  I  inferred 
that  they  mistook  us  for  two  of  their  own  party.  How- 
ever, they  soon  gave  chase.  They  being  also  on  foot, 
I  said  to  my  companion,  "  Now  we  have  as  good  a 
chance  of  escaping  as  they  have  of  overtaking  us." 

The  vSwiss  (named  Alexander)  said,  "  It  is  of  no  use 
for  mc  to  try  to  get  away  :  I  can  not  run  ;  save  your- 
self, and  never  mind  me." 

"  No,"  I  replied,  "  I  will  not  leave  you ;  run  as  fast 
as  you  can  until  you  reach  the  creek ;  there  you  can 
secrete  yourself,  for  they  will  pursue  me."  v 

He  followed  my  advice,  and  saved  himself.  I  cross- 
ed  the  stream,  and  when  I  again  appeared  in  sight  of 
the  Indians  I  was  on  the  summit  of  a  small  hill  two 
miles  in  advance.  Giving  a  general  yell,  they  came  in 
pursuit  of  me.  On  I  ran,  not  daring  to  indulge  the 
hope  that  they  would  give  up  the  chase,  for  some  of 
the  Indians  are  great  runners,  and  would  rather  die 
than  incur  the  ridicule  of  their  brethren.  On,  on  we 
tore ;  I  to  save  my  scalp,  and  my  pursuers  to  win  it. 
At  length  I  reached  the  Buttes,  where  I  had  expected 
to  find  the  camp,  but,  to  my  inconceivable  horror  and 
dismay,  my  comrades  were  not  there.    They  had  found 


124 


A LTOBIOO KA ril V    OF 


no  water  on  their  route,  and  had  proceeded  to  the  river, 
forty-iive  miles  distant. 

My  feelings  at  this  disappointment  transcended  ex- 
pression. A  thousand  ideas  peopled  my  feverish  brain 
at  once.  Home,  friends,  and  my  loved  one  presented 
themselves  with  one  lightning-flash.  The  Indians 
were  close  at  my  heels ;  their  bullets  were  whizzing 
past  me ;  their  yells  sounded  painfully  in  my  ears ; 
and  I  could  almost  feel  the  knife  making  a  circuit  round 
my  skull.  On  I  bounded,  however,  following  the  road 
which  our  whole  company  had  made.  I  was  scorch- 
ing with  thirst,  having  tasted  neither  sup  nor  bit  since 
we  commenced  the  race.  Still  on  I  went  with  the 
speed  of  an  antelope.  I  kept  safely  in  advance  of  the 
range  of  their  bullets,  when  suddenly  the  glorious  sight 
of  the  camp-smoke  caught  my  eye.  My  companions 
perceived  me  at  a  mile  from  the  camp,  as  well  as  my 
pursuers  ;  and,  mounting  their  horses  to  meet  me,  soon 
turned  the  tables  on  my  pursuers.  It  was  now  the 
Indians'  turn  to  be  chased.  They  must  have  suffered 
as  badly  with  thirst  as  I  did,  and  our  men  cut  them 
off  from  the  river.  Night  had  begun  to  close  in,  under 
the  protection  of  which  the  Indians  escaped ;  our  men 
returned  with  only  five  scalps.  According  to  the  closest 
calculation,  I  ran  that  day  ninety-five  miles.* 

My  heels  thus  deprived  the  rascally  Indians  of  their 
anticipated  pleasure  of  dancing  over  my  scalp.  My 
limbs  were  so  much  swollen  the  next  morning,  that  for 

*  Concerning  this,  great  race  for  life,  it  may  appear  impossible  to 
some  for  a  human  being  to  accomplish  such  a  feat.  Those  who  sur- 
vive of  Sublet's  company,  and  who  know  the  distances  from  point  to 
point  of  my  celebrated  race,  will  please  to  correct  me  publicly  if  I  am 
in  error  in  the  distance.  I  have  known  instances  of  Indian  runners 
accomplishing  more  than  one  hundred  and  ten  miles  in  one  day. — 
Narrator. 


(( 


JAMES    P.   BECKWOURTH. 


125 


their 
My 

It  for 


two  or  three  days  ensuing  it  was  with  great  difficulty 
I  got  about.  My  whole  system  was  also  in  great  pain. 
In  a  few  days,  however,  I  'was  as  well  as  ever,  and 
ready  to  repay  the  Indians  for  their  trouble. 

The  third  day  after  my  escape,  my  companion  Aleck 
found  his  way  into  camp.  He  entered  the  lodge  with 
dejection  on  his  features. 

"  Oh !"  he  exclaimed,  *'  I  thank  God  for  my  escape, 
but  the  Indians  have  killed  poor  Jim.  I  saw  his  bones 
a  few  miles  back.  I  will  give  any  thing  I  have  if  a 
party  will  go  with  me  and  bury  him.  The  wolves 
have  almost  picked  his  bones,  but  it  must  be  he. 
Poor,  poor  Jim  !  gone  at  last !" 

"  Ha  I"  said  some  one  present,  "is  Jim  killed,  then  ? 
Poor  fellow !  Well,  Aleck,  let  us  go  back  and  give 
him  a  Christian  burial." 

He  had  seen  a  body  nearly  devoured  on  the  way, 
most  likely  that  of  the  wounded  Indian  who  had  chased 
me  in  his  retreat  from  our  camp. 

I  came  limping  into  the  crowd  at  this  moment,  and 
addressed  him  before  he  had  perceived  me :  "  Halloo, 
Aleck,  are  you  safe  ?" 

He  looked  at  me  for  a  moment  in  astonishment,  and 
then  embraced  me  so  tight  that  I  thought  he  would 
suffocate  me.  He  burst  into  a  flood  of  tears,  which  for 
a  time  prevented  his  articulation.  He  looked  at  me 
again  and  again,  as  if  in  doubt  of  my  identity. 

At  length  he  said,  "  Oh,  Jim,  you  are  safe !  And 
how  did  you  escape  ?  I  made  sure  that  you  were 
killed,  and  that  the  body  I  saw  on  the  road  was  yours. 
Pshaw !  I  stopped  and  shed  tears  on  a  confounded 
dead  Indian's  carcass'"  / 

Aleck  stated  that  the  enemy  had  passed  within  ten 
feet  without  perceiving  him  ;  that  his  gun  was  cocked 


12H 


ATTTOBIOGRAPITY    OV 


and  well  primed,  so  that  if  lie  had  been  discovered  there 
would  have  been  at  least  one  red  skin  less  to  chase 
lie  had  seen  no  Indians  on  his  way  to  camp. 


nic. 


1  was  satisfied  that  some  (if  not  all)  of  my  pursuers 
knew  me,  for  they  were  lilack  Feet,  or  they  would  not 
have  taken  such  extraordinary  pains  to  run  me  down. 
If  they  had  succeeded  in  their  endeavor,  they  would, 
in  subsequent  years,  have  saved  their  tribe  many 
scalps. 

From  this  encampment  we  moved  on  to  Lewis's 
Fork,  on  the  Columbia  River,  where  we  made  a  final 
halt  to  prepare  for  the  fall  trapping  season.  8ome 
small  parties,  getting  tired  of  inaction,  would  occasion- 
ally sally  out  to  the  small  mountain  streams,  all  of 
which  contained  plenty  of  beaver,  and  would  frequent- 
ly come  in  with  several  skins. 

I  prepared  my  traps  one  day,  thinking  to  go  out 
alone,  and  see  what  my  luck  might  be.  I  mounted 
my  horse,  and,  on  approaching  a  small  stream,  dis- 
mounted to  take  a  careful  survey,  to  see  if  there  were 
any  signs  of  beaver.  Carefully  ascending  tlie  bank 
of  the  stream,  I  peered  over,  and  saw,  not  a  beaver,  but 
an  Indian.  He  had  his  robe  spread  on  the  grass,  and 
was  engaged  in  freeing  himself  from  vermin,  with  which 
all  Indians  abound.  He  had  not  seen  nor  heard  me ; 
his  face  was  toward  me,  but  inclined,  and  he  was  in- 
tently pursuing  his  occupation. 

"  Here,"  thought  I,  "are  a  gun,  a  bow,  a  quiver  full 
of  arrows,  a  good  robe,  and  a  scalp." 

I  fired  my  rifle ;  the  Indian  fell  over  without  utter- 
ing a  sound.  I  not  only  took  his  scalp,  but  his  head. 
I  tied  two  locks  of  his  long  hair  together,  hung  his 
head  on  the  horn  of  my  saddle,  and,  taking  the  spoils 
of  the  enemy,  hurried  back  to  camp. 


JAMES    P.  HECKWOURTII. 


12; 


11 


S 

is 


The  next  morning  our  camp  was  invested  by  two 
thousand  five  liundrcd  warriors  of  the  Black  Foot  tribe. 
We  had  now  something  on  our  hands  which  demanded 
attention.  We  were  encamped  in  the  bend  of  a  river — 
in  the  "horse-shoe."  Our  lodges  were  pitched  at  the 
entrance,  or  narrowest  part  of  the  shoe,  while  our  ani- 
mals were  driven  back  into  the  bend.  The  lodges,  four 
deep,  extended  nearly  across  the  land,  forming  a  kind 
of  barricade  in  front ;  not  a  very  safe  one  for  the  in- 
mates, since,  being  covered  with  buffalo  hides,  they 
were  penetrable  to  bullet  and  arrow. 

Tlie  Indians  made  a  furious  charge.  We  imme- 
diately placed  the  women  and  children  in  the  rear, 
sending  them  down  the  bend,  where  they  were  safe 
unless  we  were  defeated.  We  suffered  the  Indians 
for  a  long  time  to  act  on  the  offensive,  being  con- 
tent with  defending  ourselves  and  the  camp.  I  ad- 
vised Captain  Sublet  to  let  them  weary  themselves 
with  charging,  by  which  time  we  would  mount  and 
charge  them  with  greater  prospect  of  victory ;  where- 
as, should  we  tire  ourselves  while  they  were  fresh,  we 
should  be  overwhelmed  by  their  numbers,  and,  if  not 
defeated,  inevitably  lose  a  great  many  men. 

All  the  mountaineers  approved  of  my  advice,  and 
our  plans  were  taken  accordingly.  They  drove  us 
from  our  first  position  twice,  so  that  our  lodges  were 
between  the  contending  ranks,  but  they  never  broke 
our  lines.  When  they  approached  us  very  near  we 
resorted  to  our  arrows,  which  a'  our  half-breeds  used 
as  skillfully  as  the  Indians.  Finally,  perceiving  they 
began  to  tire,  I  went  and  ordered  the  women  to  saddle 
the  horses  in  haste.  A  horse  was  soon  ready  for  each 
man,  four  hundred  in  number.  Taking  one  hundred 
and  thirty  men,  I  passed  out  through  the  timber,  keep- 


128 


ArTOBIOaKAPHY   OP 


ing  near  the  river  until  we  could  all  emerge  and  form 
a  line  to  charge  them,  unobserved,  in  the  rear.  Wliile 
executing  this  diversion,  the  main  body  was  to  charge 
them  in  front.  While  defiling  through  the  timber  we 
came  suddenly  upon  ten  Indians  who  were  resting  from 
the  fight,  and  were  sitting  on  the  ground  unconcernedly 
smoking  their  pipes.  We  killed  nine  of  them,  the  tenth 
one  making  good  his  retreat. 

Our  mantt'uvre  succeeded  admirably.  The  Indians 
were  unconscious  of  our  approach  in  their  rear  until 
they  began  to  fall  from  their  horses.  Then  charging 
on  their  main  body  simultaneously  with  Captain  Su- 
blet's  charge  in  front,  their  whole  force  was  thrown  into 
irretrievable  confusion,  and  they  fled  without  farther 
resistance.  We  did  not  pursue  them,  feeling  very  well 
satisfied  to  have  got  nd  of  them  as  we  had.  They  left 
one  hundred  and  sixty-seven  dead  on  the  field.  Our 
loss  was  also  very  severe ;  sixteen  killed,  mostly  half- 
breeds,  and  fifty  or  sixty  wounded.  In  this  action  I 
received  a  wound  in  my  left  side,  although  I  did  not 
perceive  it  until  the  battle  was  over. 

As  usual,  there  was  a  scalp-dance  after  the  victory, 
in  which  I  really  feared  that  the  fair  sex  would  dance 
themselves  to  death.  They  had  a  crying  spell  after- 
ward for  the  dead.  After  all,  it  was  a  victory  rather 
dearly  purchased. 

A  few  days  after  our  battle,  one  of  our  old  trappers, 
named  Le  Blueux,  who  had  spent  twenty  years  in  the 
mountains,  came  to  me,  and  telling  me  he  knew  of  a 
small  stream  full  of  beaver  which  ran  into  Lewis's  Fork, 
about  thirty  miles  from  camp,  wished  me  to  accompany 
liim  there.  We  being  free  trappers  at  that  time,  the 
chance  of  obtaining  a  pack  or  two  of  beaver  was  rather 
a  powerful  incentive.     Gain  being  my  object,  I  readily 


•lAMES    r.   HKr-KWOIKTII. 


r2i> 


acccdod  to  his  proposal.  A\'e  \nit  out  from  camp  dur- 
ing the  night,  and  traveled  up  Lewis's  l''ork,  leisurely 
discussing  our  prospects  and  confidently  enumerating 
our  unhatched  chickens,  when  suddenly  a  Lirge  party 
of  Indians  came  in  sight  in  our  rear. 

The  banks  of  the  river  "wc  were  travclinfj  alone:  were 
l^rccipitous  and  rocky,  and  skirted  with  a  thick  bush. 
Wc  entered  the  bush  without  a  moment's  hesitation,  for 
the  Indians  advanced  on  us  as  soon  as  they  had  caught 
sight  of  us.  Le  ]51ucux  had  a  small  bell  attached  to 
his  horse's  neck,  which  he  took  off,  and,  creeping  to  a 
large  busi  fastened  it  with  the  end  of  his  lariat,  and  re- 
turned holding  the  other  end  in  his  hand.  This  strata- 
gem caused  the  Indians  to  expend  a  great  amount  of 
powder  and  shot  in  their  eflbrt  to  kill  tlic  bell ;  for,  of 
course,  they  supposed  the  bell  indicated  the  position  of 
ourselves.  When  they  approaclicd  near  enough  to  be 
seen  through  the  bushes,  wc  fired  one  gun  at  a  time, 
always  keeping  the  other  loaded.  AYhen  wc  fired  the 
bell  would  ring,  as  if  the  liorse  was  started  by  the  close 
proximity  of  the  gun,  but  the  smoke  would  not  rise  in 
the  right  place.  They  continued  to  shoot  at  random 
into  the  bushes  without  injuring  us  or  our  faitlifiil  ani- 
mals, who  were  close  by  us,  but  entirely  concealed  from 
the  sight  of  the  Indians.  IMy  companion  filled  his  pi])e 
and  commenced  smoking  with  as  much  sang  froid  as  if 
he  had  been  in  camp. 

"  This  is  the  last  smoke  I  expect  to  have  between 
here  and  camp,"  said  he. 

"What  are  we  to  do?''  I  inquired,  not  feeling  our 
position  very  secure  in  a  brush  fort  manned  with  a 
company  of  two,  and  beleaguered  by  scores  of  Black 
Foot  warriors. 

In  an  instant,  before  T  had  time  to  tliink.  crack  went 

Y  2 


180 


AITOHIOOHAPnY    OF 


his  rifle,  and  down  came  an  Indian,  who,  more  boM 
llian  the  rest,  had  approached  too  near  to  our  garrison. 

**Now,''  said  J^e  Jilueux,  *' bind  your  leggins  and 
moccasins  around  your  head.*' 

T  did  so,  while  lie  obeyed  the  same  order. 

**  Now  follow  me."'  ^ 

Wondering  what  bold  project  he  was  about  to  exe- 
cute, I  quietly  obeyed  him.  lie  went  noiselessly  to 
1  he  edge  of  the  bluff,  looked  narrowly  up  and  down  the 
river,  and  then  commenced  to  slide  down  the  almost 
perpendicular  bank,  I  closely  following  him.  We 
safely  reached  the  river,  into  which  we  dropped  our- 
selves. We  swam  close  under  the  bank  for  more  than 
a  mile,  until  they  discovered  us. 

"Now,"  said  my  comrade,  "  strike  across  the  stream 
in  double  quick  time.'' 

We  soon  reached  the  opposite  bank,  and  found  our- 
selves a  good  mile  and  a  half  ahead  of  the  Indians. 
They  commenced  plunging  into  the  river  in  pursuit, 
but  they  were  too  late.  We  ran  across  the  open 
ground  until  wc  reached  a  mountain,  where  we  could 
safely  look  back  and  laugh  at  our  pursuers.  Yv^e  had 
lost  our  horses  and  guns,  while  they  had  sacrificed  six 
or  eight  of  their  warriors,  besides  missing  the  two 
scalps  they  made  so  certain  of  getting  hold  of. 

I  had  thought  myself  a  pretty  good  match  for  the 
Indians,  but  I  at  once  resigned  all  claims  to  merit. 
Le  Blueux,  in  addition  to  all  the  acquired  wiles  of  the 
Red  ]\Ian,  possessed  his  own  superior  art  and  cunning. 
He  could  be  surrounded  with  no  difficulties  for  which 
his  inexhaustible  brain  could  not  devise  some  secure 
mode  of  escape. 

We  arrived  safe  at  camp  before  the  first  guard  was 
relieved.   The  following  morning  we  received  a  severe 


JAMES    P.    liECKWOT'irm. 


13:5 


reprimand  from  Captain  Sublet  for  exposing  ourselves 
on  so  hazardous  an  adventure. 

As  soon  as  the  wounded  were  sufficiently  recovered 
to  be  able  to  travel,  we  moved  down  the  river  to  the 
junction  of  Salt  River  with  Guy's  Fork,  about  a  mile 
from  Snake  River.  The  next  day  the  captain  re- 
solved to  pasr^  up  to  Guy's  Fork  to  a  convenient  camp- 
ing-ground, where  we  were  to  spend  the  interval  until 
it  was  time  to  separate  into  small  iiarties,  and  com- 
mence trapping  in  good  earnest  for  the  season. 

One  day,  while  moving  leisurely  along,  two  men  and 
myself  proposed  to  the  captain  to  proceed  ahead  of 
the  main  party  to  ascertain  the  best  road,  to  reconnoi- 
tre the  various  streams — in  short,  to  make  it  a  trip  of 
discovery.  We  were  to  encamp  one  night,  and  rejoin 
the  main  body  the  next  morning.  The  captain  con- 
sented, but  gave  us  strict  caution  to  take  good  care  of 
ourselves. 

Nothing  of  importance  occurred  that  day ;  but  the 
next  morning,  about  sunrise,  we  were  all  thunder- 
struck at  being  roused  from  our  sleep  by  the  discharge 
of  guns  close  at  hand.  Two  of  us  rose  in  an  instant, 
and  gave  the  war-hoop  as  a  challenge  for  them  to  come 
on.  Poor  Cotton,  the  third  of  our  party,  was  killed  at 
the  first  lire.  When  they  saw  us  arise,  rifle  in  hand, 
they  drew  back ;  whereas,  had  they  rushed  on  with 
their  battle-axes,  they  could  have  killed  us  in  an  in- 
stant. One  of  our  horses  was  also  killed,  which,  with 
the  body  of  our  dead  comrade,  we  used  for  a  breast- 
work, tlirowing  up,  at  the  same  time,  all  the  dirt  ve 
could  to  protect  ourselves  as  far  as  w^  were  able.  The 
Indians,  five  hundred  in  number,  showered  their  balls 
at  us,  but,  being  careful  to  keep  at  a  safe  distance,  they 
did  us  no  damage  for  some  time.     At  length  my  com- 


134 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OF 


panion  received  a  shot  through  the  heel,  while  careless- 
ly throwing  up  his  feet  in  crawling  to  get  a  sight  at  the 
Indians  without  exposing  his  body.  I  received  some 
slight  scratches,  hut  no  injury  that  occasioned  me  any 
real  inconvenience. 

Providence  at  last  came  to  our  relief.  Our  camp 
was  moving  along  slowly,  shooting  buffalo  occasional- 
ly, when  some  of  the  women,  hearing  our  guns,  ran  to 
the  captain,  exclaiming,  "  There  is  a  light.  Hark  ! 
iiear  the  guns  I " 

He,  concluding  that  there  was  more  distant  fighting 
than  is  common  in  killing  buffalo,  dispatched  sixty 
men  in  all  possible  Laste  in  the  direction  of  the  reports. 
We  saw  them  as  t';iey  appeared  in  sight  on  the  brow 
of  a  hill  not  far  distant,  and  sent  up  a  shout  of  triumph. 
The  Indians  also  caught  sight  of  them,  and  immedi- 
ately retreated,  leaving  seventeen  warriors  dead  in  front 
of  our  little  fort,  wliom  we  relieved  of  their  scalps. 

We  returned  to  camp  after  burying  our  companion, 
whose  body  was  literally  riddled  with  bullets.  The 
next  day  we  made  a  very  successful  surround  of  buf- 
falo, killing  great  numbers  of  them.  In  the  evening, 
several  of  our  friends,  the  Snakes,  came  to  us  and  told 
us  their  village  was  only  five  miles  farther  up,  wishing 
us  to  move  up  near  them  to  open  a  trade.  After  cur- 
ing our  meat,  we  moved  on  and  encamped  near  the 
friendly  Snakes.  We  learned  that  there  were  one 
hundred  and  eighty-five  lodges  of  Pun-naks  encamped 
only  two  miles  distant,  a  discarded  band  of  the  Snakes, 
very  bad  Indians,  and  very  great  thieves.  Captain  Su- 
blet informed  the  Snakes  that  if  the  Pun-naks  should 
steal  any  of  his  horses  or  any  thing  belonging  to  his 
camp,  he  would  7'uh  them  all  out^  and  be  wished  the 
friendlv  Snakes  to  tell  them  so. 


!SS- 

tlie 
mc 
my 


mp 

lal- 

to 

k! 

ng 

ts. 

)h. 
di- 
mt 


in, 
he 
if- 

g» 
Id 

ig 

LT- 

[ic 
tie 
id 

s, 
11- 
Id 
is 
le 


Tw 

ed  do\ 
set  up 
camp  ( 
were  c 
Two  h 
selves 
leader  < 
We 
rived  a 
village 
ately  af 
no  doul 
them. 
We 
up  with 
they  all 
"Wh 
"I  wi 
men,"  I 
Tlieir  ret 
nate  ther 
"Go,' 
to  make  i 
I  was 
raenced,  j 
left  of  eit 
hundred  i 
posed,  am 
however,  • 
liad  been 
back  and 
On  info 
they  expr 


JAMES   P.   BECKWOURTH. 


137 


Two  of  our  men  and  one  of  the  Snakes  having  stroll- 
ed down  to  the  Pun-nak  lodges  one  evening,  they  were 
set  upon,  and  the  Snake  was  killed,  and  the  two  of  our 
camp  came  home  wounded.  The  morning  volunteers 
were  called  to  punish  the  Pun-naks  for  their  outrage. 
Two  hundred  and  fifteen  immediately  presented  them- 
selves at  the  call,  and  our  captain  appointed  Bridger 
leader  of  the  troop. 

We  started  to  inflict  vengeance,  but  when  we  ar- 
rived at  the  site  of  the  village,  behold  I  there  was  no 
village  there.  They  had  packed  up  and  left  immedi- 
ately after  the  perpetration  of  the  outrage,  they  fearing, 
no  doubt,  that  ample  vengeance  would  be  taken  upon 
them. 

We  followed  their  trail  forty-five  miles,  and  came 
up  with  them  on  Green  River.  Seeing  our  approach, 
they  all  made  across  to  a  small  island  in  the  river. 

"  What  shall  we  do  now,  Jim  ?"  inquired  our  leader. 

"  I  will  cross  to  the  other  side  with  one  half  the 
men,"  I  suggested,  "  and  get  abreast  of  the  island. 
Their  retreat  will  be  thus  cut  off,  and  we  can  extermi- 
nate them  in  their  trap." 

"  Go,"  said  he ;  "I  will  take  them  if  they  attempt 
to  make  this  shore." 

I  was  soon  in  position,  and  the  enfilading  com- 
menced, and  was  continued  until  there  was  not  one 
left  of  either  sex  or  any  age.  We  carried  back  four 
hundred  and  eighty-eight  scalps,  and,  as  we  then  sup- 
posed, annihilated  the  Pun-nak  band.  On  our  return, 
however,  we  found  six  or  eight  of  their  squaws,  who 
liad  been  left  behind  in  the  flight,  whom  we  carried 
back  and  gave  to  the  Snakes. 

On  informing  the  Snakes  of  what  had  taken  place, 
they  expressed  great  delight.     "Right!"  they  said. 


i;58 


ArTOBIOGUAl'HV    OF 


"  Pun-naks  very  bad  Indians  ;"  and  they  joined  in  the 
scalp-dance. 

We  afterward  learned  that  the  Pun-naks,  when  they 
fled  from  our  vengeance,  had  previously  sent  their  old 
men,  and  a  great  proportion  of  their  women  and  chil- 
dren, to  the  mountains,  at  which  we  were  greatly 
pleased,  as  it  spared  the  effusion  of  much  unnecessary 
blood.  They  had  a  great  "medicine  chief"  slain  witli 
the  others  on  the  island ;  his  medicine  was  not  good 
this  time,  at  least. 

We  proceeded  thence  to  a  small  creek,  called  Black 
Foot  Creek,  in  the  heart  of  the  Black  Foot  country. 

It  was  always  our  custom,  before  turning  out  our 
horses  in  the  morning,  to  send  out  spies  to  reconnoitre 
around,  and  see  if  any  Indians  were  lurking  about  to 
steal  them.  When  preparing  to  move  one  morning 
from  the  last-named  creek,  we  sent  out  two  men ;  but 
they  had  not  proceeded  twenty  yards  from  our  corral 
before  a  dozen  shots  were  fired  at  them  by  a  party  of 
Black  Feet,  bringing  them  from  their  horses  severely 
wounded.  In  a  moment  the  whole  camp  was  in  mo- 
tion. The  savages  made  a  bold  and  desperate  attempt 
to  rush  upon  the  wounded  men  and  get  their  scalps, 
but  we  were  on  the  ground  in  time  to  prevent  them, 
and  drove  them  back,  killing  four  of  their  number. 

The  next  day  we  were  overtaken  by  the  Snakes, 
who,  hearing  of  our  skirmish,  expressed  great  regret 
tliat  they  were  not  present  to  have  followed  them  and 
given  them  battle  again.  We  seldom  followed  the 
Indians  after  having  defeated  them,  unless  they  had 
stolen  our  horses.  It  was  our  policy  always  to  act  on 
the  defensive,  even  to  tribes  that  were  known  enemies. 

When  the  Snakes  were  ready,  we  all  moved  on  to- 
gether for  the  head  of  Green  River.     The  Indians 


num 

and 

altog 

more 

bclon 

W, 

er,  wl 

stay  c 

vicinii 

It^ 

break 

directi 

upon  I 

numbe 

joiced 

extrem 

Tiie 

scalps 

tlie  jiar 

how  va 

defeatet 

see  so  r 

foes.     \ 

so  noblj 

the  gref 

had  seei 

Upon  i\ 

tion;  th 

tivate  m 

of  their 

One  0 

a  Crow, 

his  wife 

ford  full  i 


.JAMES    P.  BECKWOURTII. 


im) 


ps, 
licm, 

kes, 
icvret 

o 

and 
the 
bad 
;t  on 
lies, 
to- 
lians 


numbered  six  or  seven  thousand,  inckiding  women 
and  children  ;  our  number  was  nearly  eight  hundred 
altogether,  forming  quite  a  formidable  little  army,  or, 
more  properly,  a  moving  city.  The  number  of  horses 
belonging  to  the  whole  camp  was  immense. 

We  had  no  farther  difficulty  in  reaching  Green  Riv- 
er, where  we  remained  six  days.  During  this  short 
stay  our  numberless  horses  exhausted  the  grass  in  our 
vicinity,  and  it  was  imperative  to  change  position. 

It  was  now  early  in  September,  and  it  was  time  to 
break  up  our  general  encampment,  and  spread  in  all 
directions,  as  the  hunting  and  trapping  season  was 
upon  us.  Before  we  formed  our  dispersing  parties,  a 
number  of  the  Crows  came  to  our  camp,  and  were  re- 
joiced to  see  us  again.  The  Snakes  and  Crows  were 
extremely  amicable. 

The  Crows  were  questioning  the  Snakes  about  some 
scalps  hanging  on  our  lodge-poles.  They  gave  them 
the  particulars  of  our  encounter  with  the  Black  Feet, 
how  valiantly  we  had  fought  them,  and  how  we  had 
defeated  them.  The  Crows  were  highly  gratified  to 
see  so  many  scalps  taken  from  their  old  and  inveterate 
foes.  They  wished  to  see  the  braves  who  had  fought 
so  nobly.  I  was  pointed  out  as  the  one  who  had  taken 
the  greatest  number  of  scalps ;  they  told  them  they 
had  seen  me  fight,  and  that  1  was  a  very  great  brave. 
Upon  this  I  became  the  object  of  the  Crows'  admira- 
tion ;  they  were  very  anxious  to  talk  to  me  and  to  cul- 
tivate my  acquaintance  ;  but  I  could  speak  very  little 
of  their  language. 

One  of  our  men  (named  Greenwood),  whose  wife  was 
a  Crow,  could  speak  their  language  fluently ;  he  and 
his  wife  were  generally  resorted  to  by  the  Crows  to  af- 
ford full  details  of  our  recent  victory.     Greenwood,  be- 


140 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OP 


coming  tired  of  so  much  questioning,  invented  a  fiction, 
which  greatly  amused  me  for  its  ingenuity.  He  in- 
formed them  that  White-handled  Knife  (as  the  Snakes 
called  me)  was  a  Crow. 

They  all  started  in  astonishment  at  this  informa- 
tion, and  asked  how  that  could  be. 

kSaid  Greenwood  in  reply,  "  You  know  that  so  many 
winters  ago  the  Cheyennes  defeated  the  Crows,  killing 
many  hundreds  of  their  warriors,  and  carrying  off  a 
great  many  of  their  women  and  children." 

"Yes,  we  know  it,"  they  all  exclaimed. 

"  Well,  he  was  a  little  boy  at  that  time,  and  the 
whites  bought  him  of  the  Cheyennes,  with  whom  ht 
has  staid  ever  since.  He  has  become  a  great  brave 
among  them,  and  all  your  enemies  fear  him." 

On  hearing  this  astonishing  revelation,  they  said 
that  I  must  be  given  to  them.  Placing  implicit  faith 
in  every  word  that  they  had  heard,  they  hastened  to 
their  village  to  disseminate  the  joyful  news  that  they 
had  found  one  of  their  own  people  who  had  been  taken 
by  the  Shi-ans  when  a  har-car-ta  (child),  who  had  been 
sold  to  the  whites,  and  who  had  now  become  a  great 
white  chief,  with  his  lodge-pole  full  of  the  scalps  of  the 
Black  Feet,  who  had  fallen  beneath  his  gun  and  battle- 
axe.  This  excited  a  great  commotion  throughout  their 
whole  village.  All  the  old  women  who  remembered 
the  defeat,  when  the  Crows  lost  two  thousand  warriors 
and  a  host  of  women  and  children,  with  the  ensuing 
captivity,  were  wondering  if  the  great  brave  was  not 
their  own  child ;  thereupon  ensued  the  greatest  anxi- 
ety to  see  me  and  claim  me  as  a  son. 

I  did  not  say  a  w^ord  impugning  the  authenticity  of 
Greenwood's  romance.  I  was  greatly  editied  at  the 
inordinate  gullibility  of  the  red  man,  and  when  they 


JAx\IE.S   I».    IJECKWOUliTJI.  14| 

Our  party  now  broke  up ;  detachments  wore  formed 

staited  m  all  dircet.ons,  receiving  instructions  to  re- 
turn wtinn  a  certain  day.     There  were  a  great  many 
fur  trappers  with  us,  w]>o  hunted  for  their  lvnp"„fit^ 
and  disposed  of  their  peltry  ,o  the  mountain  "rafc  .' 
Ti.e  trappers  w.re  accon.panied  by  a  certain  numbe 
of  hired  men,  selected  according  to  their  individual  prd 
erenccs,  the  strength  of  their  party  being  regulated  bv 
tl.e  danger  of  the  countty  tl/ey  were  gfing^to!    If  a 
party  was  gomg  to  the  Black  Foot  country!  it  needed 

therrwo  ,ld       /'         "  ""  '^""S'^'  ""^  apprehended, 
toe  would  go  few  or  many,  just  as  was  agreed  upon 

dience  to  the  will  of  Us  captain  or  leader:  his  word 
was  supreme  law.  °™ 

My  party  started  for  the  Crow  country,  at  which  I 

I  eLl:   dTf"' '  '"[;  '^'"^  '^  -PPO-d  Crow ;;  elf 
lief T    ?   I         "";"  *"""«  them.     It  seemed  a  re 
let  also,  to  be  m  a  place  where  we  could  rest  from  o^ 
unsleepmg  vigilance,  and  to  feel,  when  we  rose  h^  7e 
mo^ng,  there  was  some  probability  of  our  1  vi  "g  tS 


142 


Al  TUBlUUliAl'HV    Ol' 


CHAJ^TEU  Xil. 

Departure  from  the  Rcnilczvoua. — Trouble  in  Cauip. — Leave  the  Party 
and  Traps. — Arrival  at  tlic  Crow  Villa';C. — (Jreat  Stir  among  the 
Crows. — Joyful  Meeting  with  my  Crow  ^  brents,  Brothers,  and  Sis- 
ters.— Tiiree  Years  without  seeing  a  White  Man. 

I  NOW  parted  with  very  many  of  my  friends  for  the 
last  time.  JMost  of  the  members  of  that  large  com- 
pany now  sleep  in  death,  their  waking  ears  no  longer 
to  be  filled  with  the  death-telling  yell  of  the  savage. 
The  manly  hearts  that  shrunk  from  no  danger  have 
ceased  to  beat ;  their  bones  whiten  in  the  gloomy  fast- 
nesses of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  or  moulder  on  the 
ever-floweri  ig  prairies  of  the  far  West.  A  cloven 
skull  is  all  tuat  remains  of  my  once  gallant  friends  to 
tell  the  bloody  death  that  they  died,  and  invoke  ven- 
geance on  the  merciless  hand  that  struck  them  down 
in  their  ruddy  youth. 

Here  I  parted  from  the  boy  Baptiste,  who  had  been 
my  faithful  companion  so  long.  I  never  saw  him 
again. 

The  party  that  I  started  with  consisted  of  thirty-one 
men,  most  of  them  skillful  trappers  (Captain  Bridger 
was  in  our  party),  and  commanded  by  Robert  Camp- 
bell. We  started  for  Powder  River,  a  fork  of  the  Yel- 
low Stone,  and,  arriving  there  without  accident,  were 
soon  busied  in  our  occupation. 

A  circumstance  occurred  in  our  encampment  on  this 
stream,  trivial  in  itself  (for  trivial  events  sometimes 
determine  the  course  of  a  man's  life),  but  which  led  to 
unexpected  results.      I  had  set  my  six  traps  over 


iiiglit, 
found 
1  sou^ 
on  ni} 
tain  1 
niounl 
jtressii 
\Vg  s( 
for  a  I 
the  m 
ten  or 
length 
Tlie 
up  the 
self  cro 
missing 
a  good 
cross  w 
some  t\ 
badger, 
inspecti 
trap,  chi 
buftalo, 
the  cliai 
on  his  s 
and  the 
in  some 
trap  anc 
himself, 
his  back 
away  he 
forward 
would  d( 
rather  h 


JAMKS    P.  BECKWOUUTII. 


14a 


night,  and  on  going  to  them  the  following  morning  1 
tbiintl  four  beavers^  but  one  of  my  traps  was  missing. 
1  sought  it  in  every  direction,  but^vithout  success,  and 
on  my  return  to  camp  mentioned  the  mystery.  Cap- 
tain liridger  (as  skillful  a  hunter  as  ever  lived  in  the 
niountains)  offered  to  renew  the  search  with  me,  ex- 
pressing coniidencc  that  the  trap  could  be  found. 
We  searched  diligently  along  the  river  and  the  bank 
for  a  considerable  distance,  but  the  trap  was  among 
tlic  missing.  The  float-pole  also  was  gone — a  pole 
ten  or  twelve  feet  long  and  four  inches  thick.  We  at 
length  gave  it  up  as  lost. 

The  next  morning  the  whole  party  moved  farther 
up  the  river.  To  shorten  our  route,  Bridger  and  my- 
self crossed  the  stream  at  the  spot  where  I  had  set  my 
missing  trap.  It  was  a  buffalo-crossing,  and  there  was 
a  good  trail  worn  in  the  banks,  so  that  we  could  easily 
cross  with  our  horses.  After  passing  and  traveling  on 
some  two  miles,  I  discovered  what  I  suppo?:ed  to  be  a 
badger,  and  we  both  made  a  rush  for  him.  On  closer 
inspection,  however,  it  proved  to  be  my  beaver,  with 
trap,  chain,  and  float-pole.  It  was  apparent  that  some 
buffalo,  in  crossing  the  river,  had  become  entangled  in 
the  chain,  and,  as  we  conceived,  had  carried  the  trap 
on  his  shoulder,  with  the  beaver  pendent  on  one  side 
and  the  pole  on  the  other.  W^e  inferred  that  he  had 
in  some  way  got  his  head  under  the  chain,  between  the 
trap  and  the  pole,  and,  in  his  endeavors  to  extricate 
himself,  had  pushed  his  head  through.  The  hump  on 
his  back  would  prevent  it  passing  over  his  body,  and 
away  he  would  speed  with  his  burden,  probably  urged 
forward  by  the  four  sharp  teeth  of  the  beaver,  which 
would  doubtless  object  to  his  sudden  equestrian  (or 
rather  bovine)  journey.      Wc  killed  the  beaver  and 


144 


AUTOBIOULAPHY   OF 


took  his  skin,  feeling  much  satisfaction  at  the  solution 
of  the  mystery.  When  wc  arrived  at  camp  we  asked 
our  companions  to  guess  liow  and  where  we  had  found 
the  trap.  They  all  gave  various  guesses,  but,  failing 
to  hit  t!ic  truth,  gave  up  the  attempt. 

'*  Well,  gentlemen,"  said  I,  "it  was  stolen." 

*'  Stolen!"  exclaimed  a  dozen  voices  at  once. 

"  Yes,  it  was  stolen  by  a  buffalo." 

*'0h,  come,  now,"  said  one  of  the  party,  "what  is 
the  use  of  coming  here  and  telling  such  a  lie  ?" 

I  saw  in  a  moment  that  he  was  angry  and  in  ear- 
nest, and  1  replied,  "  If  you  deny  that  a  buffalo  stole 
my  trap,  you  tell  the  lie." 

He  rose  and  struck  me  a  blow  with  his  fist.  Jt 
was  my  turn  now,  and  the  first  pass  I  made  brought 
my  antagonist  to  the  ground.  On  rising,  he  sprang 
for  his  gun ;  I  assumed  mine  as  quickly.  The  by- 
standers rushed  between  us,  and,  seizing  our  weapons, 
compelled  us  to  discontinue  our  strife,  which  would 
have  infallibly  resulted  in  the  death  of  one.  My  op- 
ponent mounted  his  horse  and  left  the  camp.  I  never 
saw  him  afterward.  I  could  have  taken  his  expres- 
sion in  jest,  for  we  were  very  free  in  our  sallies  upon 
one  another ;  but  in  this  particular  instance  I  saw  his 
intention  was  to  Insult  me,  and  I  allowed  my  passion 
to  overcome  my  reflection.  My  companions  counseled 
me  to  leave  camp  for  a  ie,\v  days  until  the  ill  feeling 
should  have  subsided. 

The  same  evening  Captain  Bridger  and  myself  start- 
ed out  with  our  traps,  intending  to  be  gone  three  or 
four  days.  We  followed  up  a  small  stream  until  it 
forked,  when  Bridger  proposed  that  I  should  take  one 
fork  and  he  the  other,  and  the  one  who  had  set  his 
traps  first  should  cross  the  hill  which  separated  thr 


JAMEH    r.    BECKWOIKTH. 


145 


two  streams  and  rejoin  the  other.  Tims  we  parted, 
(!xpecting  to  meet  again  in  a  few  hours.  I  continued 
my  course  up  the  stream  in  pursuit  of  beaver  villages 
until  I  found  myself  among  an  innumerable  drove  of 
horses,  and  I  could  plainly  see  they  were  not  wild  ones. 

The  horses  were  guarded  by  several  of  their  Indian 
owners,  or  horse-guards,  as  they  term  them,  who  had 
discovered  me  long  before  I  saw  them.  T  could  hear 
their  signals  to  each  other,  and  in  a  few  moments  I 
was  surrounded  by  them,  and  escape  was  impossible. 
I  resigned  myself  to  my  fate :  if  thfy  were  enemies, 
I  knew  they  could  kill  mc  but  once,  and  to  attempt  to 
defend  myself  would  entail  inevitable  death.  I  took 
the  chances  between  death  and  mercy ;  1  surrendered 
ray  gun,  traps,  and  what  else  I  had,  and  was  marched 
to  camp  under  a  strong  escort  of  ho)'se-<j}(ar(h.  I  felt 
very  sure  that  my  guards  were  Crows,  thcuibre  I  did 
not  feel  greatly  alarmed  at  my  situation.  ( )n  amving 
at  their  village,  I  was  ushered  into  the  chiefs  lodge, 
where  there  were  several  old  men  and  women,  whom  I 
conceived  to  be  members  of  the  family.  ]\Iy  capture 
was  known  throughout  the  village  in  five  minutes,  and 
Imndreds  gathered  around  the  lodge  to  get  a  sight  of 
the  prisoner.  In  the  crowd  were  some  who  had  talk- 
ed to  Greenwood  a  few  weeks  before.  They  at  once 
exclaimed,  "That  is  the  lost  Crow,  the  great  brave 
who  has  killed  so  many  of  our  enemies.  He  is  our 
brother." 

This  threw  the  whole  village  into  commotion ;  old 
and  young  were  impatient  to  obtain  a  sight  of  the 
"great  brave."  Orders  were  immediately  given  to 
summon  all  the  old  women  taken  by  the  Shi-ans  at  the. 
time  of  their  captivity  so  many  winters  past,  who  had 
suffered  the  loss  of  a  son  at  that  time.     The  lodge  was 


140 


ALTOBloGKAPHir   OF 


cleared  tor  tlie  eyaininimj  conwiittee^  and  the  old  wom- 
en, breathless  with  excitement,  their  eyes  wild  and  pro- 
truding, and  their  nostrils  dilated,  arrived  in  squads, 
until  the  lodge  was  filled  to  overflowing.  I  believe 
never  was  mortal  gazed  at  with  such  intense  and  sus- 
tained interest  as  I  was  on  that  occasion.  Arms  and 
legs  w  jre  critically  scrutinized.  jMy  face  next  passed 
the  ordeal ;  tiinn  my  neck,  back,  breast,  and  all  parts 
of  my  body,  even  down  to  my  feet,  which  did  not  es- 
cape the  examination  of  these  anxious  matrons,  in  their 
endeavors  to  discover  some  mark  or  peculiarity  where- 
by to  recognize  their  brave  son. 

At  length  one  old  womr^n,  after  having  scanned  my 
visage  with  the  utmost  intcatness,  canii',  forward  and 
said,  "  If  this  is  my  son,  he  has  a  mole  over  one  of  his 
eyes." 

My  eyelids  were  immediately  pulled  down  to  the  ut- 
most stretch  of  their  elasticity,  when,  sure  enough,  she 
discovered  a  mole  just  over  my  left  eye ! 

"Then,  and  oh  then!"  such  shouts  of  joy  as  were 
uttered  by  that  honest-hearted  woman  were  seldom  be- 
fore heard,  while  all  in  the  crowd  took  part  in  her  re- 
joicing. It  was  uncultivated  joy,  but  not  the  less 
heartfelt  and  intense.  It  was  a  joy  which  a  mother 
can  only  experience  when  she  recovers  a  son  whom 
!she  had  supposed  dead  in  his  earliest  days.  She  has 
mourned  him  silently  through  weary  nights  and  busy 
days  for  the  long  space  of  twenty  years  ;  suddenly  he 
presents  himself  before  her  in  robust  manhood,  and 
graced  with  the  highest  name  an  Indian  can  appreciate. 
It  is  but  nature,  either  in  the  savage  breast  or  civilized, 
ihat  hails  such  a  return  with  overwhelming  joy,  and 
feels  the  mother's  undying  affection  awakened  beyond 
all  control. 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


147 


All  the  other  claimants  resigning  their  pretensions, 
I  was  fairly  carried  along  by  the  excitod  crowd  to  the 
lodge  of  the  "Big  Bowl,"  who  was  my  father.  The 
news  of  my  having  proved  to  be  the  son  of  Mrs.  Big 
Bowl  flew  through  the  village  with  the  speed  of  light- 
ning, and,  on  my  arrival  at  the  paternal  lodge,  I  found 
it  filled  with  all  degrees  of  my  newly-discovered  rela- 
tives, who  welcomed  me  nearly  to  death.  They  seized 
me  in  their  arms  and  hugged  me,  and  my  face  posi- 
tively burned  with  the  enraptured  kisses  of  my  nu- 
merous fair  sisters,  with  a  long  host  of  cousins,  aunts, 
and  otlier  more  remote  kindred.  All  these  welcoming 
ladies  as  firmly  believed  in  my  identity  with  the  lost 
one  as  they  believed  in  the  existence  of  the  Great 
Spirit. 

My  father  knew  me  to  be  his  son ;  told  all  the  Crows 
that  the  dead  was  alive  again,  and  the  lost  one  was 
found.  He  knew  it  was  fact ;  Greenwood  had  said  so, 
and  the  words  of  Greenwood  were  true ;  his  tongue 
was 'not  crooked — he  would  not  lie.  He  also  had  told 
him  that  his  son  was  a  great  brave  among  the  white 
men ;  that  his  arm  was  strong ;  that  the  Black  Feet 
quailed  before  his  rifle  and  battle-axe ;  that  his  lodge 
was  full  of  their  scalps  which  his  knife  had  taken ;  that 
they  must  rally  around  me  to  support  and  protect  me ; 
and  that  his  long-lost  son  would  be  a  strong  breast- 
work to  their  nation,  and  he  would  teach  them  how  to 
defeat  their  enemies. 

They  all  promised  that  they  would  do  as  his  words 
had  indicated. 

My  unmarried  sisters  were  four  in  number,  very  pret- 
ty, intelligent  young  women.  They,  as  soon  as  the  de- 
parture of  the  crowd  wQuld  admit,  took  ofl"  my  old  leg- 
gins,  and  moccasins,  and  other  garments,  and  supplied 


148 


AUTOBIOGtRAPHY   OP 


their  place  with  new  ones,  most  beautifully  ornament- 
ed according  to  their" very  last  fashion.  My  sisters 
were  very  ingenious  in  such  work,  and  they  wellnigh 
quarreled  among  themselves  for  the  privilege  of  dress- 
ing me.  When  my  toilet  was  finished  to  their  satis- 
faction, I  could  compare  in  elegance  with  the  most  pop- 
ular warrior  of  the  tribe  when  in  full  costume.  They 
also  prepared  me  a  bed,  not  so  high  as  Haman's  gal- 
lows certainly,  but  just  as  high  as  the  lodge  would  ad- 
mit. This  was  also  a  token  of  their  esteem  and  sis- 
terly affection. 

While  conversing  to  the  extent  of  my  ability  with 
my  father  in  the  evening,  and  affording  him  full  infor- 
mation respecting  the  white  people,  their  great  cities, 
their  numbers,  their  power,  their  opulence,  he  sudden- 
ly demanded  of  me  if  I  wanted  a  wife ;  thinking,  no 
doubt,  that,  if  he  got  me  married,  I  should  lose  all  dis- 
content, and  forego  any  wish  of  returning  to  the  whites. 

I  assented,  of  course. 

"  Very  well,"  said  he,  "  you  shall  have  a  pretty  wife 
and  a  good  one." 

Away  he  strode  to  the  lodge  of  one  of  the  greatest 
braves,  and  asked  one  of  his  daughters  of  him  to  be- 
stow upon  his  son,  who  the  chief  must  have  heard 
was  also  a  great  brave.  The  consent  of  the  parent 
was  readily  given.  The  name  of  my  prospective  fa- 
ther-in-law was  Black-lodge.  He  had  three  very  pret- 
ty daughters,  whose  names  were  Still-water,  Black- 
iish,  and  Three-roads. 

Even  the  untutored  daughters  of  the  wild  woods 
need  a  little  time  to  prepare  for  such  an  important 
event,  but  long  and  tedious  courtships  are  unknown 
among  them. 

The  ensuing  day  the  three  daughters  were  brought 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


149 


bst 
ie- 
rd 


to  my  father's  lodge  by  their  father,  and  I  was  request- 
ed to  take  my  choice.  "  Still- water"  was  the  eldest, 
and  I  liked  her  name ;  if  it  was  emblematic  of  her  dis- 
position, she  was  the  woman  I  should  prefer.  "  Still- 
water," accordingly,  was  my  choice.  They  were  all 
superbly  attired  in  garments  which  must  have  cost 
them  months  of  labor,  which  garments  the  young  wom- 
en ever  keep  in  readiness  against  such  an  interesting 
occasion  as  the  present. 

The  acceptance  of  my  wife  was  the  completion  of  the 
ceremony,  and  I  was  again  a  married  man,  as  sacredly 
in  their  eyes  as  if  the  Holy  Christian  Church  had  fast- 
ened the  irrevocable  knot  upon  us. 

Among  the  Indians,  the  daughter  receives  no  patri- 
mony on  her  wedding-day,  and  her  mother  and  father 
never  pass  a  word  with  the  son-in-law  after — a  custom 
religiously  observed  among  them,  though  for  what  rea- 
son I  never  learned.  The  other  relatives  are  under  no 
such  restraint. 

My  brothers  made  me  a  present  of  twenty  as  fine 
horses  as  any  in  the  nation — all  trained  war-horses. 
I  was  also  presented  with  all  the  arms  and  instruments 
requisite  for  an  Indian  campaign. 

My  wife's  deportment  coincided  with  her  name ;  she 
would  have  reflected  honor  upon  many  a  civilized 
household.  She  was  affectionate,  obedient,  gentle, 
cheerful,  and,  apparently,  quite  happy.  No  domestic 
thunder-storms,  no  curtain-lectures  ever  disturbed  the 
serenity  of  our  connubial  lodge.  I  speedily  formed 
acquaintance  with  all  my  immediate  neighbors,  and 
the  Morning  Star  (which  was  the  name  conferred  upon 
me  on  my  recognition  as  the  lost  son)  was  soon  a  com- 
panion to  all  the  young  warriors  in  the  village.  No 
power  on  earth  could  have  shaken  their  faith  in  my 


^tmme 


150 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF 


positive  identity  with  the  lost  son.  Nature  seemed 
to  prompt  the  old  woman  to  recognize  me  as  her  miss- 
ing child,  and  all  my  new  relatives  'placed  implicit- 
faith  in  the  genuineness  of  her  discovery.  Greenwood 
}'.ad  spoken  it,  "  and  his  tongue  was  not  crooked." 
What  could  I  do  under  the  circumstances  ?  Even  if 
I  should  deny  my  Crow  origin,  they  would  not  believe 
me.  How  could  I  dash  with  an  unwelcome  and  in- 
credible explanation  all  the  joy  that  had  been  manifest- 
ed on  my  return — the  cordial  welcome,  the  rapturous 
embraces  of  those  who  hailed  me  as  a  son  and  a  broth- 
er, the  exuberant  joy  of  the  whole  nation  for  the  return 
of  a  long-lost  Crow,  who,  stolen  when  a  child,  had  re- 
turned in  the  strength  of  maturity,  graced  with  the 
name  of  a  great  brave,  and  the  generous  strife  I  had 
occasioned  in  their  endeavors  to  accord  me  the  warm- 
est welcome  ?  I  could  not  find  it  in  my  heart  to  un- 
deceive these  unsuspecting  people  and  tear  myself 
away  from  their  untutored  caresses. 

Thus  I  commenced  my  Indian  life  with  the  Crows. 
I  said  to  myself,  "I  can  trap  in  their  streams  unmolest- 
ed, and  derive  more  profit  under  their  protection  than 
if  among  my  own  men,  exposed  incessantly  to  assas- 
sination and  alarm."  I  therefore  resolved  to  abide 
with  them,  to  guard  my  secret,  to  do  my  best  in  their 
company,  and  in  assisting  them  to  subdue  their  ene- 
mies. 

Tliere  was  but  one  recollection  troubled  me,  and  that 
was  my  lonely  one  in  St.  Louis.  My  thoughts  were 
constantly  filled  with  her.  I  knew  my  afiection  was 
reciprocated,  and  that  her  fond  heart  beat  alone  for 
me;  that  my  promise  was  undoubtingly  confided  in,  and 
that  prayers  were  daily  offered  for  my  safety,  thus  dis- 
tant in  the  mountains,  exposed  to  every  peril.     Re- 


JAMES    P.    BECKWOURTH. 


151 


peatedly  I  would  appoint  a  day  for  my  return,  but 
some  unexpected  event  would  occur  and  thrust  my 
resolution  aside.  Still  I  hoped,  for  I  had  accumulated 
the  means  of  wealth  sufficient  to  render  us  comfortable 
through  life ;  a  fortunate,  return  was  all  I  awaited  to 
consummate  my  ardent  anticipation  of  happiness,  and 
render  me  the  most  blessed  of  mortals. 

Before  proceeding  farther  with  my  Indian  life,  I  will 
conduct  the  reader  back  to  our  camp  the  evening  suc- 
ceeding to  my  disappearance  from  Bridgcr.  He  was 
on  the  hill,  crossing  over  to  me  as  agreed  upon,  when 
he  saw  me  in  the  hands  of  the  Indians,  being  conduct- 
ed to  their  village,  which  was  also  in  sight.  Seeing 
clearly  that  he  could  oppose  no  resistance  to  my  cap- 
tors, he  made  all  speed  to  the  camp,  and  communicated 
the  painful  news  of  my  death.  He  had  seen  me  in  the 
charge  of  a  whole  host  of  Shi-ans,  who  were  conduct- 
ing me  to  camp,  there  to  sacrifice  me  in  the  most  im- 
proved manner  their  savage  propensities  could  suggest, 
and  then  abandon  themselves  to  a  general  rejoicing- 
over  the  fall  of  a  white  man.  With  the  few  men  ho 
had  in  camp  it  was  hopeless  to  attempt  a  rescue  ;  for, 
judging  by  the  size  of  the  village,  there  must  be  a 
community  of  several  thousand  Indians.  All  were 
plunged  in  gloom.  All  pronounced  my  funeral  eulo- 
gy ;  all  my  daring  encounters  were  spoken  of  to  my 
prai-se.  INIy  fortunate  escapes,  my  repeated  victories 
were  applauded  in  memory  of  me ;  the  loss  of  their 
best  hunter,  of  their  kind  and  ever-obliging  friend,  was 
deeply  deplored  by  all. 

*'Alas !  had  it  not  been  for  that  lamentable  quan'cl," 
they  exclaimed,  "  he  would  still  have  been  among  us. 
Poor  Jim !  peace  to  his  ashes  !" 

Bridger  lamented  that  he  had  advised  me  to  leave 


152 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


the  camp,  and  again  that  he  had  separated  from  me  at 
the  Forks.  "  If  we  had  kept  together,"  he  murmured, 
"his  fate  might  have  been  prevented,  for  doubtless 
one  of  us  would  have  seen  the  Indians  in  time  to  have 
escaped." 

Thus,  as  I  was  afterward  informed  by  some  of  the 
party,  was  my  memory  celebrated  in  that  forlorn  camp. 
Farther,  having  conceived  a  deep  disgust  at  that  vicin- 
ity, they  moved  their  camp  to  the  head  waters  of  the 
Yellow  Stone,  leaving  scores  of  beaver  unmolested  in 
the  streams. 

The  faithful  fellows  little  thought  that,  while  they 
were  lamenting  my  untimely  fall,  I  was  being  hugged 
and  kissed  to  death  by  a  whole  lodge  full  of  near  and 
dear  Crow  relatives,  and  that  I  was  being  welcomed  with 
a  public  reception  fully  equal  in  intensity,  though  not 
in  extravagance,  to  that  accorded  to  the  victor  of  Wa- 
terloo on  his  triumphal  entry  into  Paris. 

Bridger  had  never  supposed  that  the  Indians  whom 
he  saw  leading  me  away  were  Crows,  he  being  ignorant 
that  lie  was  so  near  their  territory.  His  impression 
was  that  these  were  Cheyennes,  hence  I  was  given  up 
for  dead  and  reported  so  to  others.  My  death  was 
communicated  to  the  rendezvous  when  the  fall  hunt 
was  over,  and  there  was  a  general  time  of  mourning  in 
mountain  style. 

I  say  "  i.iountain  style"  in  contradistinction  to  the 
manner  of  civilized  circles,  because,  with  them,  when 
the  death  of  a  comracJe  is  deplored,  his  good  deeds  alone 
are  celebrated ;  his  evil  ones  are  interred  with  his  bones. 
Modern  politics  have  introduced  the  custom  of  perpet- 
uating all  that  is  derogatory  to  a  man's  fair  fame,  and 
burying  in  deep  oblivion  all  that  was  honorable  and 
praiseworthy.    Hence  I  say,  Give  me  the  mountaineer, 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


153 


despite  all  the  opprobrium  that  is  cast  upon  his  name, 
ibr  in  him  you  have  a  man  of  chivalrous  feeling,  ready 
to  divide  his  last  morsel  with  his  distressed  fellow — 
jiy,  and  to  yield  the  last  drop  of  his  blood  to  defend  the 
life  of  his  friend. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

War  between  the  Crow  Nation  and  other  Indian  Tribes.  —  My  first 
Victory  as  a  Crow  Indian. — A  Melancholy  and  Sentimental  Indian. 
— Indian  Masonry. — Return  to  Camp. — Great  Rejoicing  among  my 
innumerable  Relatives. — The  Little  Wife. 

After  feting  for  about  ten  days  among  my  new 
neighbors,  I  joined  a  small  war-party  of  about  forty 
men,  embodied  for  the  ostensible  purpose  of  capturing 
horses,  but  actually  to  kill  their  enemies.  After  ad- 
vancing for  three  days,  we  fell  in  with  a  party  of  eleven 
of  the  Blood  Indians,  a  band  of  the  Black  Foot  tribe, 
immemorial  enemies  of  the  Crows.  Our  chief  ordered 
a  charge  upon  them.  I  advanced  directly  upon  their 
line,  and  had  struck  down  my  man  before  the  others 
came  up.  The  others,  after  making  a  furious  advance, 
that  threatened  annihilation  to  our  few  foes,  curveted 
aside  in  Indian  fashion,  thus  losing  the  eftcct  of  a  first 
onset.  I  corrected  this  unwarlike  custom.  On  this 
occasion,  seeing  me  engaged  hand  to  hand  with  the 
enemy's  whole  force,  they  immediately  came  to  my 
assistance,  and  the  opposing  party  were  quickly  dis- 
patched. I  despoiled  my  victim  of  his  gun,  lance, 
war-club,  bow,  and  quiver  of  arrows.  Now  I  was  the 
greatest  man  in  the  party,  for  I  had  killed  the  first  war- 
rior. We  then  painted  our  faces  black  (their  mode  of 
announcing  victory),  and  rode  back  to  the  village,  bear- 

G2 


154 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OP 


ing  eleven  scalps.  We  entered  ihc  village  singing  and 
shouting,  the  crowds  blocking  up  our  way  so  that  it 
was  with  difficulty  we  could  get  along.  My  wife  met 
me  at  some  distance  from  our  lodge,  and  to  her  I  gave 
my  greatest  trophy,  the  gun.  ]My  pretty  sisters  next 
presenting  themselves  for  some  share  of  my  spoils,  I 
gave  them  what  remained,  and  they  returned  to  their 
lodge  singing  and  dancing  all  the  way.  Their  delight 
was  unbounded  in  their  new-found  relative,  who  had 
drawn  the  first  blood.  My  companions  told  how  I 
had  charged  direct  upon  the  enemy,  how  I  struck  down 
the  first  Indian  at  a  blow,  what  strength  there  was  in 
my  arm,  and  a  great  deal  more  in  my  commendation. 
Again  I  was  lionized  and  feted.  Relatives  I  had  not 
seen  before  now  advanced  and  made  my  acquaintance. 
1  was  feasted  by  all  the  sachems  and  great  braves  of 
the  village  until  their  kindness  nearly  fatigued  me  to 
death,  and  I  was  glad  to  retire  to  my  lodge  to  seek  a 
season  of  quietude. 

It  was  a  custom  rigidly  observed  by  the  Crows, 
when  a  son  had  drawn  the  first  blood  of  the  enemy, 
for  the  father  to  distribute  all  his  property  among  the 
village,  always  largely  recollecting  his  own  kin  in  the 
proposed  distribution.  I  saw  that  my  achievement  had 
ruined  my  poor  old  father.  He  seemed  contented, 
however,  to  sacrifice  his  worldly  goods  to  the  prowess 
of  his  illustrious  son.  It  was  the  Crows'  religion,  and 
he  was  thoroughly  orthodox.  Another  traditional  me- 
mento was  to  paint  a  chief's  coat  with  an  image  of  the 
sun,  and  hang  that,  together  with  a  scarlet  blanket,  in 
the  top  of  a  tree,  as  an  offering  to  the  Great  Spirit,  to 
propitiate  him  to  continue  his  faTorable  regards. 

Several  small  bands  of  the  village  had  a  grand  dance 
after  the  victory,  each  band  by  itself.     I  watched  them 


JAMES   P.    BECKWOURTH. 


150 


Iss 


^e- 


lin 
ito 


Im 


for  some  time,  to  see  which  band  or  clique  contained 
the  most  active  men.  Having  singled  one,  I  broke  into 
the  ring,  and  joined  the  performance  with  great  hearti- 
ness. Then  their  shouts  arose,  *'  The  great  brave,  the 
Antelope,  has  joined  our  band!"  and  their  dancing  in- 
creased in  vehemence,  and  their  singing  became  more 
hilarious.  By  the  act  of  joining  their  clique  1  became 
incorporated  with  their  number. 

For  the  next  three  weeks  I  staid  at  home,  spending 
much  of  my  time  in  trapping  round  the  village.  I 
was  accompanied  in  these  excursions  by  a  fine  and 
intelligent  Indian,  who  ^vas  without  a  relative.  He 
was  very  successful  in  trapping.  One  day  we  went 
to  our  traps  as  usual ;  he  found  eight  fine  beavers,  but 
I  had  caught  none.  After  fiaying  them,  he  offered  me 
four  of  the  skins.  I  looked  at  him  in  surprise,  telling 
him  they  were  caught  in  his  traps — that  they  were  his. 
"Take  them,"  said  he;  "you  are  my  friend :  your 
traps  have  been  unlucky  to-day."  Previous  to  this, 
our  success  had  been  about  equal. 

Then  he  wished  me  to  sit  down  and  have  a  talk 
with  him.     I  sat  down  by  him,  and  he  began. 

"My  friend,"  said  he,  "I  am  alone  in  the  world: 
all  my  kindred  are  gone  to  the  land  of  the  Great  Spirit. 
I  now  want  one  good  friend — a  confidential  bosom 
friend — who  will  be  my  brother.  1  am  a  warrior — a 
brave — and  so  are  you.  You  have  been  far  away  to 
the  villages  of  the  white  man ;  your  eyes  have  seen 
much ;  you  have  now  returned  to  your  people.  Will 
you  be  my  friend  and  brother  ?  be  as  one  man  with 
me  as  long  as  you  live  ?" 

I  readily  acceded  to  all  his  desires. 

"  It  is  well,"  said  he,  "  and  we  must  exchange  traps." 

I  agreed  to  it. 


156 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


"  Now  we  must  exchange  guns." 

It  was  done. 

So  wc  went  on  until  we  had  exchanged  all  our  per- 
sonal effects,  including  horse,  clothing,  and  war  imple- 
ments. 

"  Now,"  said  he,  "  we  are  one  while  we  live.  What 
I  know,  you  shall  know ;  there  must  be  no  secret  be- 
tween us." 

Wc  then  proceeded  to  my  father's  lodge,  and  ac- 
quainted him  with  the  alliance  we  had  entered  into, 
lie  was  much  pleased  at  the  occurrence,  and  ever  after 
received  my  allied  brother  as  his  son ;  but  the  assumed 
relationship  debarred  his  ever  entering  the  family  as 
son-in-law,  since  the  mutual  adoption  attached  him  as 
by  ties  of  consanguinity. 

Shortly  after,  another  war  party  was  levied  for  an 
excursion  after  the  enemy,  or  their  horses,  as  occasion 
might  offer.  The  party  consisted  of  eighty  or  ninety 
warriors.  My  adopted  brother  inquired  of  me  if  I  was 
going  with  the  party.  I  told  him  I  was,  and  asked 
the  same  question  of  him. 

"No,"  he  said;  "we  are  brothers;  we  must  never 
both  leave  our  village  at  once.  When  I  go,  you  must 
stay ;  and  when  you  go,  I  must  stay ;  one  of  us  must 
be  here  to  see  to  the  interests  of  the  other.  Should 
wc  both  be  killed,  then  who  would  mourn  faithfully  for 
the  other?" 

I  was,  as  yet,  but  a  private  in  the  Crow  army,  no 
commission  having  been  conferred  upon  me  for  what 
little  service  I  had  seen.  We  started  in  the  night,  as 
is  their  custom,  leaving  the  village  one  or  two  at  a 
time.  My  brother  came  to  me  in  the  evening,  and  ex- 
jiressed  a  wish  to  speak  to  me  before  I  left,  and  pointed 
10  a  place  where  he  wished  me  to  meet  him  alone  as 


.JAMES    P.  BECKNVUI'UTII. 


157 


■\ve  passed  out  of  the  village.     I  went  as  appointed, 
and  found  him  there. 

lie  first  asked  nic  if  1  had  done  any  thing  in  the 
village. 

1  did  not  clearly  see  the  import  of  his  question,  and 
I  innocently  answered  "  Xo." 

"  AVhy,  have  you  not  been  to  war  ?" 

"Yes." 

"iJid  the  warriors  not  impart  to  you  the  war-path 
secret  f 

"Xo." 

"Ah!  well,  they  will  tell  it  you  to-morrow.  Go 
on,  my  brother." 

We  all  assembled  together  and  marched  on.  In 
the  forenoon  we  killed  a  line  fat  buffalo,  and  rested  to 
take  breakfast.  The  intestines  were  taken  out,  and  a 
2)ortion  of  them  cleansed  and  roasted.  A  long  one 
Avas  then  brought  into  our  mess,  which  numbered  ten 
warriors,  who  Ibrmed  a  circle,  every  man  taking  hold 
of  the  intestine  with  his  thumb  and  finger.  In  this 
position,  very  solemnly  regarded  by  all  in  the  circle, 
certain  questions  were  propounded  to  each  in  relation 
to  certain  conduct  in  the  village,  which  is  of  a  nature 
unfit  to  be  entered  into  here.  They  are  religiously 
committed  to  a  full  and  categorical  answer  to  each  in- 
quiry, no  matter  whom  their  confession  may  implicate. 
Every  illicit  action  they  have  committed  since  they 
last  went  to  war  is  here  exposed,  together  with  the 
name  of  the  faithless  accomplice,  even  to  the  very  date 
of  the  occurrence.  All  this  is  divulged  to  the  medi- 
c'uie  men  on  the  return  of  the  party,  and  it  is  by  them 
noted  down  in  a  manner  that  it  is  never  erased  while 
the  guilty  confessor  lives.  Every  new  warrior,  at  his 
initiation,  is  conjured  by  the  most  sacred  oaths  never 


168 


ATTTOBIOORAPHY   OP 


to  divulgn  tlio  war-patli  secret  to  any  woman,  on  pain 
of  instant  death.  Jlc  swears  by  his  gun,  his  pipe, 
knife,  earth,  and  sun,  which  arc  the  most  sacred  oatlis 
to  tiie  Indian,  and  arc  ever  strictly  observed. 

We  marched  on  until  we  came  to  the  ^Missouri  Riv- 
er, and  I  was  greatly  edified  at  the  novel  manner  in 
which  wc  crossed  the  stream.  A  sufficient  number  of 
robes  were  brought  to  the  river  bank,  and  a  jmckerinfj- 
string  run  around  the  entire  edge  of  one,  irawing  it  to- 
getlier  until  it  assumed  a  globulated  form.  Five  or 
six  guns,  with  other  articles  necessary  to  be  kept  dry, 
were  put  into  it,  together  with  a  stone  for  bfdlast.  An 
Indian  would  then  attach  one  end  of  a  string  to  the 
/tide  tah^  and,  taking  the  other  end  in  his  teeth,  swim 
across  with  the  novel  bark  in  tow.  When  unfrcighted 
on  the  opposite  shore,  every  thing  would  be  as  dry  as 
when  embarked.  Thus  all  our  freiglit  was  conveyed 
across  in  a  very  short  time,  and  we  recommenced  our 
march. 

"VVe  liad  not  proceeded  far  when  our  spies  returned, 
and  reported  that  they  had  discovered  a  village  of  the 
As-ne-boines  on  jMilk  Kiver,  about  forty  miles  distant. 
Wc  started  for  the  village,  intending  to  relieve  them 
of  a  few  of  their  horses,  of  which  we  tliought  they  had 
more  than  their  share.  We  reached  there,  and  suc- 
ceeded in  driving  off  nearly  three  hundred  head ;  but, 
in  re-crossing  the  Missouri,  we  lost  about  one  third  of 
them  by  drowning,  in  consequence  of  our  crossing  over 
a  sand-bar,  in  which,  thougli  covered  with  water,  the 
animals  became  involved  and  perisJied.  We  reached 
home  in  safety  with  the  remainder  without  being  pur- 
sued ;  indeed,  on  our  whole  route  we  did  not  see  an 
Indian. 

Although  we  brought  no  scalps,  there  was  great  re- 


JAMES   P.  DECKWOURTH. 


159 


Ire- 


joicing  at  our  success.  T  received,  in  the  distribu- 
tion, seventeen  horses,  which  1  gave  to  my  friends, 
taking  care  to  give  my  father  a  liberal  share,  in  the 
place  of  those  he  had  previously  parted  with  on  my 
account. 

I  had  a  month's  interval  at  home.  Visiting  at  my 
father's  lodge  one  day,  he  asked  me  why  I  did  not 
I  lead  a  party  myself,  and  go  on  some  expedition  as 
leader.  By  so  doing,  he  informed  me,  I  stood  a  better 
chance  of  gaining  promotion.  "Your  medicine  is 
good,"  said  he,  "  and  the  medicine  of  both  will  bring 
you  great  success." 

I  replied  that  I  had  been  domiciliated  there  so  short 
a  time  that  I  did  not  wish  to  be  too  precipitate  in  push- 
ing myself  forward,  and  that  I  prefen*ed  to  fight  a  while 
longer  as  a  brave,  rather  than  risk  the  ic«ponsibility  o^ 
being  leader. 

He  replied,  "Here  is  your  brother-in-law,  take  him; 
also  your  brothers  will  go  with  you.  If  they  all  get 
killed,  so  be  it;  I  will  cheerfully  submit  to  old  age 
without  them,  and  die  alone." 

I  reflected  that,  in  order  to  advance  by  promotion,  I 
must  risk  every  thing ;  so  I  consented  to  follow  his 
advice. 

"Black  Panther,"  my  brother-in-law,  was  anxious 
to  follow  me,  and  there  were  seven  young  striplings, 
from  ten  to  eighteen  years  old,  that  my  father  called 
his  sons,  though,  in  fact,  half  of  them  were  what  I  call- 
ed nephews.  I  put  myself  forward  as  the  leader,  the 
party  comprising  only  two  men  and  the  above-men- 
tioned seven  boys. 

We  departed  from  the  village,  and  pressed  on  to  the 
head-waters  of  the  Arkansas,  coming  directly  to  the 
Arrap-a-ho  and  I-a-tan  villages.     At  night  we  drove 


160 


AUTOBIOCfRAPHY   OF 


off  one  Imiulred  and  eighteen  iine  horses,  ^vith  which  we 
moved  on  in  uU  possible  haste  toward  home.  We  were 
tiien  about  three  hundred  miles  from  our  village,  a:id 
two  hundred  from  the  Crow  country.  In  passing 
througii  til?  i*ark*  we  discovered  three  Indians  coming 
toward  us,  driving  a  small  drove  of  horses.  Wc  con- 
cealed ourselves  from  their  view  by  dropping  back  over 
the  brow  of  a  small  hill  directly  in  their  route,  until 
they  had  approached  within  ten  steps  of  us.  Wc 
raised  the  war-hoop,  and  rushed  out  on  them,  killing 
two  of  the  three  ;  the  third  was  at  a  greater  distance, 
driving  the  cattle,  and  when  lie  saw  the  fate  of  his 
companions  he  mounted  one  of  the  fleetest,  and  was 
soon  beyond  pursuit.  My  company  had  achieved  a 
great  victory,  the  spoils  of  which  were  fourteen  horses, 
in  addition  to  those  already  in  our  possession,  two 
scalps,  one  gun,  two  battle-axes,  one  lance,  bow,  quiv- 
er, etc.  Tliis  trivial  affair  exalted  my  young  brothers 
in  tlieir  own  esteem  higher  than  the  greatest  veteran 
their  village  contained.  During  their  return  home  they 
were  anticipating  with  untiring  tongues  the  ovation 
that  awaited  them. 

Wc  fell  in  with  no  more  enemies  on  our  way  to  the 
village.  The  horses  we  had  captured  from  the  three 
Indians  had  been  stolen  by  them  from  the  Crows,  and 
as  a  recovery  of  lost  horses  is  a  greater  achievement 
in  Indians'  eyes  than  the  original  ac(juisition,  our  merit 
was  in  proportion.  We  entered  singing,  with  our  faces 
blackened,  bearing  two  scalps  and  other  trophies,  and 
driving  one  hundred  and  thirty-two  fine  horses  before 
us.  The  whole  village  resounded  with  the  shouts  with 
which  our  brethren  and  kindred  welcomed  us.     I  was 


*  Formerly  one  of  the  greatest  places  for  beaver  in  North  America, 
and  well  known  to  the  mountaineers. 


.JAMKH    l».   UECKWOURTH. 


161 


hca. 


hailed  bravest  of  tlic  brave,  and  my  promotion  appeared 
certain. 

My  father  and  all  liis  family  rose  greatly  in  popu- 
lar favor.  The  Antelope's  distinguished  skill  and 
bravery  were  reflected,  in  lucent  rays  upon  their  names, 
"(ireat  is  the  Antelope,"  was  chanted  on  all  sides, 
"  tlie  lost  son  of  ijig  Jiovvl ;  their  medicine  is  good  and 
prosperous." 

There  is  one  trait  in  Indian  character  which  civil- 
ized society  would  derive  much  profit  by  imitating. 
liUvy  is  a  quality  unknown  to  the  savages.  When  a 
warrior  has  performed  any  deed  of  daring,  his  merit  is 
freely  accorded  by  all  his  associate  braves ;  his  deeds 
are  extolled  in  every  public  and  private  reunion,  and 
his  name  is  an  incentive  to  generous  emulation.  I 
never  witnessed  any  envious  attempt  to  derogate  from 
the  merit  of  a  brave's  achievement.  No  damning  with 
faint  prais(; ;  none 

"  Willing  to  wound  and  yet  afraid  to  strike  ;" 

no  faltering  innuendoes  that  the  man  has  not  accom- 
plished  so  much,  after  all.  The  same  way  with  the 
women.  When  a  woman's  husband  has  distinguished 
himself,  her  neighbors,  one  and  all,  take  a  pride  in  re- 
joicing with  her  over  her  happiness.  If  a  woman  dis- 
plays more  ingenuity  ihan  common  in  ornamentiT-j 
her  husband's  war-dress,  or  in  adding  any  fancy  work 
to  her  own  habiliments,  she  at  once  becomes  the  pat- 
tern of  the  neighborhood.  You  see  no  flaws  picked  in 
lier  character  because  of  her  rising  to  note ;  no  asper- 
sions cast  upon  her  birth  or  present  standing.  Such 
and  such  is  her  merit,  and  it  is  deserving  of  our  praise ; 
the  fact  perceived,  it  receives  full  acknowledgment. 
This  leads  to  the  natural  conclusion  that  civilization, 
in  introducing  the  ostentation  of  display  which  is  too 


162 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF 


frequently  affected  without  sufficient  ground  to  stand 
upon,  warps  the  mind  from  the  charity  that  is  natural 
to  it,  and  leads  to  all  tlic  petty  strifes,  and  scandalous 
tales,  and  heartburnings  that  imbitter  the  lives  of  so 
many  in  civilized  life. 

I  now  engaged  in  trapping  until  the  latter  part  of 
December.  I  celebrated  Christmas  by  myself,  as  the 
Indians  knew  nothing  about  the  birth  of  our  Savior, 
and  it  was  hard  to  make  them  understand  the  nature 
of  the  event.  At  tliis  time  a  trading-party  started 
from  our  village  for  the  Grovan  and  Mandan  country, 
where  there  was  a  trading-post  established,  for  the 
purpose  of  buying  our  winter  supply  of  ammunition, 
and  tobacco,  and  other  necessary  articles.  I  sent 
thirty  beaver-skins,  with  directions  what  to  purchase 
with  their  value,  and  had  marked  my  initials  on  all 
of  the  skins.  Tliese  letters  were  a  mystery  to  the 
trader.  He  inquired  of  the  Crows  who  had  marked 
the  skins  with  those  letters.  They  told  him  it  was  a 
Crow,  one  of  their  braves,  who  had  lived  with  the 
whites.  Kipp,  the  Irader,  then  sent  an  invitation  to 
me  to  visit  him  at  his  fort. 

While  our  party  was  away,  our  village  was  attacked 
by  a  combined  i)arty  of  the  Siouxs  and  Re-ke-rahs, 
numbering  two  thousand  five  hundred.  So  sudden 
was  the  attack  that  they  inflicted  considerable  mischief 
upon  us  before  we  had  a  chance  to  collect  our  forces, 
l^ut  when  we  at  length  charged  on  them,  it  was  decis- 
ive. We  penetrated  their  ranks,  throwing  them  into 
the  direst  confusion,  and  they  withdrew,  leaving  two 
hundred  and  fifty-three  dead  on  the  field.  Our  loss 
was  thirty-one  killed,  and  one  hundred  and  sixty 
wounded.  They  had  supposed  that  nearly  all  the  war- 
riors had  left  the  village,  when  but  a  small  party  had 


ing 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


163 


to 


gone,  and  they  met  with  such  a  reception  as  they  lit- 
tle expected.  I  had  three  Iiorses  killed  under  me,  and 
my  faithful  battle-axe  was  red  with  the  blood  of  the 
enemy  to  the  end  of  the  haft ;  fourteen  of  the  Siouxs 
had  fallen  beneath  it. 

Although  we  had  taken  such  a  number  of  scalps, 
there  was  no  dancing  or  rejoicing.  All  were  busied  iu 
attending  the  wounded,  or  mourning  their  relatives 
slain.  Their  mourning  consists  in  cutting  and  hack- 
ing themselves  on  every  part  of  the  body,  and  keeping 
up  a  dismal  moaning  or  howling  for  hours  together. 
.Many  cut  off  their  fingers  in  order  to  mourn  through 
life,  or,  at  least,  to  wear  the  semblance  of  mourning ; 
hence  the  reason  of  so  many  Western  Indians  having 
lost  one  or  more  of  their  fingers,  and  of  the  scars  which 
disfigure  their  bodies. 

The  Crows  fasten  the  remains  of  their  dead  in  trees 
until  their  flesh  is  decayed ;  their  skeletons  arc  then 
taken  down  and  inhumed  in  caves.  Sometimes,  but 
not  frequently,  they  kill  the  favorite  horse  of  the  de- 
ceased, and  bury  him  at  the  foot  of  the  tree ;  but  that 
custom  is  not  followed  so  strictly  with  them  as  witli 
most  other  tribes. 

I  was  pacifically  engaged  in  trapping  during  the  en- 
suing winter,  and  the  season  being  open  and  pleasant, 
I  met  with  great  success.  Could  I  have  disposed  of 
my  peltry  in  St.  Louis,  I  should  have  been  as  rich  as 
I  coveted. 

In  the  month  of  IMarch  (1826),  a  small  war-party 
of  twenty  men  left  our  village  on  an  excursion,  and  not 
one  of  them  ever  came  back,  their  pack-dogs  (used  for 
carrying  extra  moccasins  when  a  party  goes  to  war) 
alone  returning  to  intimate  their  fate.  Another  party 
was  quickly  dispatched,  of  whom  I  was  appointed  lead- 


lU 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OP 


cr,  and  we  soon  came  upon  the  remains  of  the  massa- 
cred party,  which  yet  bore  the  marks  of  the  weapons 
that  had  laid  them  low.  There  were  also  many  fresh 
Indian  tracks  about  the  place,  which  led  us  to  the  in- 
i'crcnce  that  there  were  enemies  near.  We  made  im- 
mediate search  for  them,  and  had  only  marched  about 
six  miles  wlicn  we  came  upon  a  village  of  nine  lodges, 
wliich  we  instantly  assaulted,  killing  every  man  but 
two.  These  were  on  a  hill  near  by,  and  as  they  made 
off  we  did  not  follow  tlicm.  ]My  personal  trophies  in 
this  encounter  were  one  scalp  and  the  equipments  of  its 
wearer ;  one  young  girl  of  about  fourteen  years,  and  a 
little  boy.  We  killed  forty-eight  of  the  enemy,  and 
took  six  women  prisoners,  together  with  a  large  drove 
of  horses,  and  a  valuable  stock  of  beaver,  otter,  and 
otlier  skins,  with  which  we  returned  to  the  village. 
There  was  great  rejoicing  again  (not  one  of  our  party 
was  scratched),  and  the  beaver-skins,  to  the  number  of 
one  hundred  and  sixty-tluree,  were  bestowed  upon  me 
for  my  skill  in  command. 

Before  we  made  the  assault  we  felt  convinced  that 
this  was  the  party  who  had  killed  our  missing  friends, 
and  our  convictions  were  substantiated  subsequently 
by  recognizing  several  vv^eapons  in  their  possession 
which  had  formerly  belonged  to  our  braves ;  indeed, 
some  of  our  women  prisoners  acknowledged  that  our 
departed  brethren  had  killed  many  of  their  people. 

The  Crows  treat  the  women  whom  they  take  pris- 
oners much  better  than  other  tribes  do.  They  do  not 
impose  upon  them  a  harder  lot  than  their  own  women 
endure,  and  tliey  allow  them  to  marry  into  the  tribe, 
after  which  they  are  in  equal  fellowship  with  them. 
On  finding  themselves  captives,  they  generally  mourn 
a  day  or  two,  but  their  grief  quickly  subsides,  and  they 


JAMKS  P.  «kckwoi;rtii. 


U>5 


mc 


seem  to  care  no  farther  for  their  violent  removal  from 
their  own  people.  * 

At  this  time  tlie  Crows  were  incessantly  at  war  with 
.•ill  the  tribes  within  their  reacii,  with  the  exception  of 
the  Snakes  and  the  Flat  Heads;  and  they  did  not  es- 
ca])e  frequent  ruptures  with  them,  brought  about  by 
the  Indians'  universal  obtuseness  as  to  all  huv  relating 
to  the  riglit  of  ])roperty  in  horses. 

The  Crows  could  raise  an  army  of  sixteen  thousand 
warriors,  and,  although  there  were  tribes  much  more 
numerous,  there  were  none  could  match  them  in  an 
o])cn  Hght.  The  Camunches  and  Apaches  have  tilted 
lances  with  them  repeatedly,  and  invariably  to  their 
discomfiture.  If  the  Crows  ever  suffered  defeat,  it 
was  when  overwhelmed  by  numbers.  One  principal 
cause  of  their  marked  superiority  was  their  plentiful 
su])ply  of  guns  and  ammunition,  which  the  whites  al- 
ways more  readily  exchanged  to  them  on  account  of 
tlieir  well-proved  fidelity  to  the  white  man.  When 
other  tribes  were  constrained  to  leave  their  lire-arms 
in  their  lodges  for  want  of  ammunition,  the  Crows 
would  have  plenty,  and  could  use  their  arms  with 
great  effect  against  an  enemy  which  had  only  bow  and 
arrows  to  shoot  with.  Farther,  they  were  the  most 
expert  horsemen  of  any  Indian  tribe,  notwithstanding 
tlie  great  name  bestowed  upon  the  Camanches  and 
Apaches — those  two  great  terrors  of  Northern  Mexico. 
I  have  seen  them  all,  and  consider  myself  in  a  position 
to  judge,  although  some,  perhaps,  will  say  that  I  am 
prejudiced  in  favor  of  the  Crows,  seeing  that  I  i?.m  one 
myself. 

Previous  to  my  going  among  the  Crows,  the  small- 
pox had  been  ravaging  their  camp,  caiTying  tlicm  away 
in  thousands,  until,  as  I  was  informed  by  themselves. 


166 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OP 


their  number  was  reduced  by  that  fatal  Indian  scourge 
to  little  better  than  one  half.  None  of  their  medicine 
would  arrest  its  course. 

After  our  last-mentioned  victory,  the  Crows  met 
with  numerous  reverses,  which  were  attended  with  se- 
vere loss  of  life.  In  their  small  war-parties  going  out 
on  marauding  expeditions  I  had  never  much  confi- 
dence, althougli,  individually,  they  were  good  warriors ; 
therefore  I  never  took  part  with  them  until  six  or 
eight  of  their  parties  would  come  back  severely  han- 
dled, and  many  of  their  braves  slain.  Thus  their  re- 
verses accumulated  u.itil  the  whole  village  was  one 
scene  of  mourning,  numbers  of  them  being  self-man- 
gled in  the  most  shocking  manner,  and  tlie  blood  trick- 
ling from  their  heads  down  to  the  ground.  Some  had 
lost  a  father,  some  a  brother,  some  a  sweetheart ;  in 
short,  their  appearance  was  too  fearful  to  look  upon, 
and  their  cries  were  too  painful  to  hear. 

When  the  last  party  came  in,  defeated  with  serious 
loss,  I  had  just  returned  with  a  party  from  the  pursuit 
of  horse-thieves.  We  had  brought  in  four  scalps,  and 
were  performing  the  scalp-dance  in  honor  of  the  event. 
On  hearing  the  disastrous  news  of  the  return  of  the 
defei.ted  party,  we  arrested  the  dance,  and  I  retired 
into  my  lodge.  Soon,  however,  a  crowd  of  women 
came  and  lifted  it  directly  from  over  mc,  leaving  me  .in 
the  open  air.  They  then  threw  before  me  immense 
quantities  of  all  kinds  of  goods,  leggins,  moccasins, 
and  other  things,  until  I  was  nearly  covered  with  their 
miscellaneous  offerings. 

I  called  out,  "  Enough!  I  am  aroused.  I  will  go 
with  your  warriors  and  revenge  the  death  of  your 
friends."  They  were  all  satisfied,  and  stood  still. 
The  news  then  circulated  through  the  village  that  the 


JAMES   P.    BECKWOURTII. 


167 


Antelope  was  aroused,  and  himself  going  against  the 
Cheyennes  to  revenge  the  deatli  of  their  braves. 

I  had  as  yet  met  with  no  reverses  since  my  trans- 
lation. IVFy  medicine  had  always  bcGr:  good  and  true. 
I  had  never  come  home  without  scalps  or  spoils,  and 
they  began  to  associate  my  name  with  victory.  The 
next  day  five  hundred  warriors  rallied  round  me,  among 
whom  were  some  who  had  suffered  recent  defeat,  and 
their  minds  were  burning  for  revenge.  I  sent  forward 
fifty  spies,  and  moved  cautiously  on  with  the  main 
body.  My  reputation  was  committed  to  my  piese  it 
success,  and  I  took  more  than  ordinary  pains  to  viiuli- 
cate  the  cause  they  had  intrusted  to  my  care.  I^jvery 
man  was  well  armed  and  mounted,  and  I  had  full  con- 
fidence in  our  ability  to  give  a  good  account  of  double 
our  number. 

My  command  were  very  curious  to  learn  my  tactics. 
On  one  occasion,  when  they  were  completely  harassing 
me  with  endless  inquiries  respecting  my  plan  of  attack, 
I  told  them,  if  they  would  bring  me  a  silvcr-^ay  fox, 
unhurt,  my  medicine  would  be  complete,  and  that  wc 
were  sure  of  a  great  victory.  In  a  moment  they  left 
me,  and  shortly  returned  with  a  live  fox,  which  they 
had  caught  in  a  surround.  I  ordered  them  to  choke 
it  to  death,  and  then  flay  it :  it  was  done,  and  the 
beautiful  skin  was  handed  to  me.  I  wrapped  it  round 
my  medicine  bow,  and  made  a  brief  speech,  informing 
them  that  the  cunning  of  the  fox  had  descended  upon 
iny  head,  and  that  my  wiles  would  infallibly  circum- 
vent the  enemy.  Like  another  Alexander,  I  thus  in- 
spired confidence  in  the  breasts  of  my  soldiers,  and 
the  spirit  I  was  infusing  in  others  partly  communi- 
cated itself  to  my  own  breast. 

Some  of  the  spies  now  returned  and  informed  me 


iV 


108 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


I  hat  they  had  discovered  a  village  of  Clieyenncs  con- 
laining  thirty-seven  lodges. 

"  \Veil,"  said  1,  after  learning  where  it  was,  "  now 
return  and  watch  them  strictly ;  if  any  thing  happens, 
acquaint  me  with  it  promptly." 

Away  tliey  went,  but  soon  returned  again  to  report 
tliat  the  enemy  had  moved  down  the  creek  (which  was 
then  called  Antelope  Creek,  a  smal)  tributary  of  the 
Missouri),  had  passed  through  the  canon,  and  were  en- 
camped at  its  mouth.  I  ordered  them  to  send  in  all 
the  spies  except  ten,  and  to  direct  those  ten  to  keep  a 
sharp  look-out.  I  then  determined  to  follow  them 
down  the  canon  and  attack  them  at  the  mouth,  thus 
cutting  off  their  retreat  into  the  canon  ;  but  again  I 
was  informed  that  the  enemy  had  moved  farther  down, 
and  had  encamped  in  the  edge  of  the  timber,  with  the 
evident  intention  of  remaining  there. 

I  approached  their  village  with  great  caution,  mov- 
ing a  few  miles  a  day,  until  I  occupied  a  position  on 
a  hill  near  it,  where  I  had  an  almost  bird's-eye  view 
of  the  village  underneath.  I  then  sent  all  my  extra 
horses,  together  with  the  boys  and  women,  to  the  rear ; 
I  divided  the  warriors  into  three  parties,  reserving  the 
smallest  division  of  fifty  men  to  myself.  I  placed  the 
two  chief  divisions  in  juxtaposition,  out  of  view  of 
the  enemy,  and,  with  my  small  party,  intended  to  de- 
scend upon  the  horses,  thinking  to  draw  them  after 
me ;  my  two  concealed  divisions  would  then  inclose 
them  as  in  a  lane,  and  we,  returning,  would  place  them 
under  a  triple  fire.  I  addressed  them  briefly,  begging 
them  to  show  the  enemy  they  were  Crows,  and  brave 
ones  too,  and  that,  if  they  would  strictly  obey  my 
directions,  we  could  retrieve  all  our  recent  reverses. 

The  two  coi^s  d'annee  being  in  position,  T  was  ad- 


JAMES    V.   BPX'KWOrRTH. 


169 


Iter 
lose 
lem 


vancing  with  my  small  division,  when  we  came  sud- 
denly upon  two  of  the  enemy,  whom  we  instantly  killed 
and  scalped.  We  rode  on,  being  in  full  sight  of  the 
enem} ,  but  they  made  no  offer  to  come  out  of  their 
camp.  We  tried  every  means  to  ])rovoke  them  to  ad- 
vance ;  we  shook  our  two  scalps  at  them,  yet  reeking 
with  blood,  and  tantalized  them  all  we  could ;  but  they 
would  not  move.  To  have  charged  them  as  they  were 
situated  would  have  entailed  upon  us  severe  loss. 
We  had  taken  two  scalps  without  loss  of  blood,  more 
glorious  in  an  Indian's  estimation  than  to  take  one 
hundred  if  a  single  life  was  sacrificed.  We  had  braved 
our  foes ;  we  had  stamped  them  as  cowards,  which  is 
almost  equal  to  death ;  so,  contenting  myself  with 
what  was  done,  I  concluded  to  draw  off  my  forces  and 
return  home.  We  were  received  at  the  village  with 
deafening  applause.  Every  face  was  washed  of  its 
mourning-paint;  gloom  gave  way  to  rejoicing;  and 
the  scalp-dance  was  performed  with  enthusiasm  and 
hilarity.  I  was  illustrated  with  the  distinguished 
name  of  Big  Bowl  (Bat-te-sarsh),  and  hailed  as  a  de- 
liverer by  all  the  women  in  the  village. 

A  little  girl,  who  had  often  asked  me  to  marry  her, 
came  to  me  one  day,  and  with  every  importunity  in- 
sisted on  my  accepting  her  as  my  wife.  I  said,  "  You 
are  a  very  pretty  girl,  but  you  are  but  a  child ;  when 
you  are  older  I  will  talk  to  you  about  it." 

But  she  was  not  to  be  put  off.  "  You  are  a  great 
brave,"  she  said,  "and  braves  have  a  right  to  paint  the 
fp.ces  of  their  wives  when  they  have  killed  the  enemies 
of  the  Crows.  I  am  a  little  girl  now,  I  know ;  but  if  I 
am  your  wife,  you  will  paint  my  face  when  you  return 
from  the  war,  and  I  shall  be  proud  that  I  am  the  wife 
of  a  great  brave,  and  can  rejoice  with  the  other  women 

H 


170 


ArTOBIOaRAI'lIY    OF 


wliose  faces  arc  painted  by  their  brave  liusbancls.  Vou 
will  also  give  me  tine  things,  fine  clothes,  and  scarlet 
cioth ;  and  1  can  make  you  pretty  leggins  and  mocca- 
sins, and  take  care  of  your  war-liorses  and  war  imple- 
ments." 

The  little  innocent  used  such  powerful  appeals  that, 
notwithstanding  1  had  already  seven  wives  and  a  lodge 
for  eacli,  I  told  licr  she  might  be  my  wife.  I  took  Iicr 
to  the  lodge  of  one  of  my  married  sisters,  told  her  that 
the  little  girl  was  my  wife,  and  that  she  would  make 
lier  a  good  wood-carrier,  and  that  she  must  dress  her 
up  finely  as  became  tlie  spouse  of  a  brave.  My  sister 
was  mu<^li  pleased,  and  cheerfully  carried  out  all  my 
requests.  As  1  sliaii  have  occasion  to  speak  of  this  lit- 
tle girl  again,  in  connection  with  the  medicine  lodge,  1 
shall  say  comparatively  little  of  her  at  this  time. 

I  spent  the  summer  very  agreeably,  being  engaged 
most  of  the  time  in  hunting  buffalo  and  trapping  bea- 
ver. I  had  now  accumulated  three  full  packs,  worth  in 
market  three  thousand  dollars. 

One  day  I  took  a  fancy  to  hunt  mountain  sheep,  and 
for  company  took  my  little  wife  with  me.  She  was  par- 
ticularly intelligent,  and  I  found  by  her  conversation 
that  she  surpassed  my  other  wives  in  sense.  She  was 
full  of  talk,  and  asked  all  manner  of  questions  concern- 
ing my  travels  among  the  great  lodges  and  villages  of 
the  white  man ;  if  the  white  squaws  were  as  pretty  as 
herself;  and  an  endless  variety  of  questions.  I  felt 
greatly  pleased  with  her  piquant  curiosity,  and  impart- 
ed much  information  to  her.  Fixing  her  deep  black 
eyes  full  upon  mine,  she  at  length  said,'* I  intend,  some 
time  in  my  life,  to  go  into  the  medicine  lodge."  I  looked 
ut  her  with  astonishment.  The  dedication  of  a  female 
to  the  service  of  the  Great  Spirit  is  a  dangerous  at- 


lAMKS    P.   BKCKWOrRTII. 


171 


ras 
rn- 

lOf 

as 
felt 
Lrt- 


tenipt.  Like  all  forms  of  imposture,  it  requires  a  peeui- 
iar  talent  and  fitness  in  tlic  candidate  who  seeks  to 
gain  admission  into  the  sacred  lodge.  The  war-path 
secret  is  associated  with  the  ministration,  with  many 
other  fearful  ceremonies.  The  woman  who  succeeds  in 
her  ambitious  project  is  an  honored  participant  in  the 
sacred  service  of  the  Deity  througii  life  ;  but  ■where  one 
succeeds  numbers  fail,  and  the  failure  entails  instant 
deatli.  Three  years  subserpient  to  this  conversation, 
1  shall  have  to  relate  how  my  little  wife,  in  the  breath- 
less silence  of  ten  thousand  waiTiors,  passed  the  fiery 
ordeal  in  safety,  and  went  triumphantly  into  the  lodge 
of  the  (ireat  Spirit. 

I  had  good  success  in  hunting,  killing  a  great  num- 
ber of  sheep,  and  carried  their  skins  with  me  to  the 
village.  <  )n  arriving,  1  called  at  the  lodge  of  my  allied 
brother, who  insisted  on  ni  v  enterincr  and  takino;  a  meal. 
L  accepted  his  ofler,  while  my  little  wife  ran  home  to 
communicate  my  great  success  in  hunting.  Our  meal 
consisted  of  strips  of  dried  buffalo  tongue, which,  as  the 
Indians  did  not  half  cook  it,  wao  a  dish  1  never  partook 
of.  What  was  served  me  on  this  occasion,  however, 
was  well  done,  and  I  ate  a  hearty  meal.  Sujipcr  com- 
pleted, I  was  praising  the  viands,  and  chanced  to  in- 
quire what  dish  I  had  been  eating.  The  woman  re- 
plied that  it  was  tongue,  and  expressed  by  her  looks 
that  1  must  have  known  what  it  was.  jMy  friend,  know- 
ing that  I  had  departed  from  my  rule,  inferred  that  I 
had  infringed  my  medicine,  and  he  started  up  in  horror, 
shouting,  "Tongue  I  tongue  I  you  have  ruined  his  med- 
icine !  should  our  hero  be  slain  in  battle,  you  are  a  lost 
woman." 

The  poor  woman  was  half  dead  with  fear,  her  fea- 
tures expressing  the  utmost  horror. 


172 


AirrOBIOORAPHY   OF 


I  issued  from  tho  lodge,  bellowing  in  iinitution  of 
the  buffalo,  protruding  my  tongue,  and  pawing  up  tlif 
ground  like  a  bear  in  fury.  This  was  in  order  to  re- 
move the  spell  that  had  settled  over  me,  and  reeover 
the  strength  of  my  medicine.  1  recovered  at  length, 
and  proceeded  toward  my  lodge,  commiserated  by  a 
large  crowd,  who  all  deplored  the  taking  of  the  food  as 
a  lamentable  accident. 

That  same  evening  the  village  was  notified  by  the 
crier  that  on  the  following  dry  there  would  be  a  sur- 
round, and  all  were  summoned  to  attend.  I  accompa- 
nied the  party,  and  the  surround  was  made,  several 
hundred  buffaloes  being  inclosed.  On  charging  among 
them  to  dispatch  them,  we  discovered  seven  JMuck  Foot 
Indians,  who,  finding  retreat  cut  off  from  them,  had 
hastily  provided  themselves  with  a  sand  fort.  I  struck 
one  of  the  victims  witli  a  willow  I  had  in  my  hand, 
and  retired  thereupon,  declaring  I  had  w^ounded  the 
first  enemy.  This,  I  believe  I  have  before  mentioned, 
is  a  greater  honor  than  to  slay  any  number  in  battle. 

I  had  retired  to  a  short  distance,  and  was  standing 
looking  at  the  fight,  when  a  bullet,  discharged  from  the 
fort,  struck  the  dagger  in  my  belt,  and  laid  me  breath- 
less on  tlie  ground.  Recovering  immediately,  I  arose, 
and  found  myself  bleeding  at  the  mouth.  Imagining 
the  ball  had  penetrated  some  vital  place,  I  gave  my- 
self up  for  dead.  I  was  carried  to  the  village  by  scores 
of  warriors,  who,  with  me,  supposed  my  wound  to  be 
mortal,  and  were  already  deploring  their  warrior's  fall. 
The  tnedicine  men  surrounded  me,  and  searched  for 
my  wound ;  but,  behold !  there  was  only  a  small  dis- 
coloration to  be  seen ;  the  skin  was  not  perforated. 
The  ball  was  afterward  found  where  I  fell,  flattened  as 
if  struck  with  a  hammer.     It  was  then  declared  that  T 


Tin;    INHIAN    I'lll.ltM'.MAN. 


JAMK8    I'.   UECKWOURTII. 


175 


■would  recover.  The  enemy's  bullets  flattened  in  con- 
tact  with  my  person — my  medicine  was  infallible — 1 
was  impenetrable  to  wound  I  I  did  not  afford  them 
any  light  on  the  matter. 

As  soon  as  the  poor  woman  who  had  entertained  me 
at  supper  heard  that  I  was  wounded,  she  left  for  an- 
other village,  and  was  not  seen  again  for  six  months. 
Supposing  herself  to  have  been  instrumental  in  destroy- 
ing my  medicine,  and  knowing  that,  if  I  died,  her  life 
would  pay  the  forfeit  of  her  carelessness,  she  did  not 
dare  to  return.  8he  clianced  to  see  me  unharmed  at 
the  village  where  she  had  taken  refuge,  and  then  she 
knew  her  life  was  redeemed. 

While  the  doctor  and  medicine  men  were  going 
through  their  spells  and  incantations  previous  to  un- 
covering my  wound,  my  relatives,  in  their  solicitude 
for  my  life,  offered  profuse  rewards  if  they  would  save 
me.  Home  offered  twenty  horses,  some  fifty,  some 
more,  in  proportion  as  their  wealth  or  liberality  prompt- 
ed. The  doctors  ransomed  my  life,  and  they  received 
over  five  hundred  horses  for  their  achievement. 

One  day  a  slight  dispute  arose  between  one  of  the 
braves  and  myself  about  some  trivial  matter,  and  as 
both  of  us  were  equally  obstinate  in  maintaining  our 
views,  we  both  became  angry.  jNIy  disputant  remark- 
ed with  great  superciliousness,  "  Ugh  I  you  pretend  to 
be  a  brave,  but  you  are  no  brave." 

We  drew  our  battle-axes  at  the  same  instant,  and 
rushed  at  each  other,  but  before  either  had  an  oppor- 
tunity to  strike,  the  pipe  was  thrust  between  us,  com- 
pelling us  to  desist,  to  disobey  wliich  is  instant  death. 
This  is  the  duty  of  certain  Indians,  who  occupy  the 
position  of  policemen  in  a  city.  They  then  said  to 
my  antagonist,  "  You  said  that  '  Big  l^owl'  was  no 


J7(i 


Al  TOBIOttKAPJIV    UF 


brave.  Vou  lied  ;  we  all  know  that  he  is  brave  ;  our 
enemies  can  testily  to  it,  and  you  dare  not  deny  it  any 
more.  Hoi'caftcr,  if  you  wisli  to  show  which  is  the 
j^reatcst  brave,  wait  until  you  meet  the  enemy,  then 
we  can  decide ;  but  never  again  attempt  to  take  eacli 
other's  lives." 

This  interference  procured  peace.  It  was  not  long, 
however,  before  wc  both  had  a  good  opportunity  to  de- 
termine the  question  of  our  valor.  A  small  party  of 
thirty  warriors  was  embodied,  myself  and  my  antago- 
nist being  of  the  number.  After  a  short  march  wc  loll 
in  with  a  war-part}^  cf  eighteen  Cheyennes,  who,  not- 
withstanding the  disparity  of  numbers,  accepted  brittle, 
well  knowing  that  escape  was  impossible.  1  pointed 
out  one  of  the  enemy  (who  1.  could  see  by  his  dress 
and  the  peculiarity  of  his  hair  was  a  chief).  "  You 
sec  him  V"  1  said.  "  Well,  we  can  decide  which  is  tlie 
best  man  now.  You  charge  directly  against  him  by 
my  side.*' 

This  he  readily  assented  to,  but  still  I  could  detect 
in  his  countenance  an  expression  which  I  deciphered, 
"  I  would  rather  not."  I  saw  the  Indian  we  were  about 
to  attack  open  the  j)an  of  his  gun,  and  give  it  a  slight 
tap  with  his  hand  to  render  its  discharge  certain,  lie 
presented  his  piece,  and  took  the  most  deliberate  aim 
as  we  advanced  side  by  side  to  the  attack.  The  death 
of  one  of  us  seemed  inevitable,  and  I  did  not  like  the 
feeling  of  suspense.  A  few  spurrings  of  our  chargers, 
and  wc  were  upon  him.  I  seized  the  nmzzle  of  his 
gun  at  the  very  instant  that  it  exploded,  and  cut  him 
down  with  the  battle-axe  in  my  right  hand.  My  left 
cheek  was  tilled  with  the  powder  from  the  discharge, 
the  stains  of  which  remain  to  this  day.  ]\ly  rival  dirl 
not  even  strike  at  the  Indian  I  had  killed. 


chain 


JAMES    P.    UECKWOURTII. 


177 


lie 


He  then  .said  to  mv,  "  Vou  arc  truly  a  great  waiTior 
and  a  great  Ibravc  ;  L  was  wrong  in  saying  what  1  did. 
AVc  are  now  good  friends.*' 

C)ur  few  enemies  were  quickly  exterminated,  the  loss 
on  our  side  Leing  four  wounded,  including  my  powder- 
wound.  ]My  fame  was  still  farther  celebrated,  for  J  had 
ugain  struck  down  the  iirst  man,  who  was  a  great  chief, 
and  had  actually  charged  up  to  the  muzzle  of  his  gun, 
what  few  Indians  have  the  stamina  to  do.  On  our  re- 
turn with  the  S})oils  of  victory  we  were  warmly  con- 
gratulated hy  the  tribe,  and  I  was  still  farther  ennobled 
by  tlie  additional  name  of  Bull's  llobe,  conferred  on  me 
by  my  father. 

It  was  now  the  fall  of  the  year.  I  had  been  a  Crow 
for  many  moons.  It  was  time  to  repair  to  the  trading- 
post  to  obtain  what  articles  wc  needed.  I  determined 
^0  accompany  the  party,  and  at  least  attend  to  the  sale 
of  my  own  eftccts.  What  peltry  I  had  was  worth 
three  thousand  dollars  in  8t.  Louis,  and  I  was  solicit- 
ous to  obtain  something  like  an  equivalent  in  exchange 
for  it. 

We  proceeded  to  Fort  Clarke,  on  the  Missouri.  T 
waited  until  the  Indians  had  nearly  completed  their  ex- 
changes, speaking  nothing  but  Crow  language,  dressed 
like  a  Crow,  my  hair  as  long  as  a  Crow's,  and  myself 
as  black  as  a  crow.  No  one  at  the  post  doubted  my 
being  a  Crow.  Toward  the  conclusion  of  the  business, 
one  of  my  tribe  inquired  in  his  own  language  for  "be- 
lias-i-pe-hish-a."'  The  clerk  could  not  understand  his 
want,  and  there  was  none  of  the  article  in  sight  for  the 
Indian  to  point  out.  He  at  length  called  Kipp  to  see 
it'  he  could  divine  the  Indian's  meanino-. 

o 

I  then  said  in  l^^njnlish, "  Gentlemen,  that  Indian 
wants  scarlet  cloth." 

112 


178 


Al   nmiUUKAlMIY    of 


If  a  ])onib-,slicll  had  exploded  in  the  fort  tJicy  could 
not  have  been  more  astonished. 

"Ah,*' said  one  of  tlicni/'you  spcakEnglish  !  Where 
<lid  you  learn  it  V" 

"A\  ith  the  Avhite  man." 

*■'  How  long  were  you  witli  the  whites?" 

"  ]\Iorc  than  twenty  years." 

"  AV'here  did  vou  live  witli  them  V" 

"  In  ^Sl.  I^ouis." 

"  In  8t.  Louis  I  ill  St.  Louis  I  Vou  have  lived  twcn- 
ty  years  in  St.  Louis  I" 

Then  they  scaaned  me  eloscly  from  head  to  foot,  and 
Kipp  said, ""If  you  have  lived  twenty  years  in  St. Louis, 
['11  swear  you  arc  no  Crow." 

"No,  1  am  not." 

"Then  what  may  ho  your  name?" 

"  JMy  name  in  JCnglish  is  James  Beckwourth." 

"  (iood  heavens  I  why  1  have  heard  your  name  men- 
tioned a  thousand  times.  Vou  were  supposed  dead, 
and  were  so  reported  by  Captain  Sublet." 

"lam  not  dead,  as  vou  see;  I  still  move  and  breathe." 

"This  ex])lains  the  mystery,"  he  added, turning  to 
the  clerk,  "of  tliosc  bcaver-skins  beino-  niarkcd  'J. B." 
Well,  well  I  if  you  arc  not  a  strange  mortal  I" 

All  this  conversation  was  unintelligible  to  my  Crow 
brethren,  who  were  evidently  proud  to  sec  a  Crow  talk 
so  Hucntly  to  the  white  man. 

"  Now,"  1  said,  "  I  have  seen  you  transact  your  busi- 
ness without  interposing  with  a  word.  Yon  have  clear- 
ed two  or  three  thousand  ])er  cent,  of  your  exchanges. 
1  do  not  grudge  it  you.  AV'crc  I  in  your  jilace  f  should 
do  the  sanu\  llut  I  want  a  little  more  liberal  treat- 
ment. 1  have  toiled  hard  for  what  I  have  obtained, 
and  T  want  the  worth  of  mv  earnings." 


^till 


JAMES    P.  BECKWOLRTif. 


179 


to 

alk 


I  set  my  own  price  upon  my  property,  and,  to  the 
great  asto'iislimcnt  of  my  Indian  brethren,  1  ^turned 
with  as  large  a  bale  of  goods  as  theirs  would  all  vogeth- 
cr  amount  to.  i^ut,  as  I  have  said,  an  Indian  h,  in  no 
wise  envious,  and,  instead  of  considering  themselves 
unfairly  used,  they  rejoiced  at  the  white  mar's  profu- 
sion to  me,  and  supposed  the  overplus  he  iiad  givc!i 
me  was  an  indemnity  for  the  captivity  they  had  lieM 
me  in. 

On  our  return  I  made  various  presents  to  all  my 
wives,  some  of  whom  I  did  not  see  for  months  togeth- 
er, and  to  many  other  rcUtives.  1  had  still  p  good 
stock  to  trade  upon,  and  could  exchange  with  my 
brethren  at  any  rate  I  offered.  They  placed  implicit 
contidence  in  my  integrity,  and  a  beaver-skin  ex- 
changed with  me  for  one  l>lug  of  tobacco  contented 
them  better  than  to  have  exchanged  it  for  two  with  the 
white  man. 

1  had  the  fairest  opportunity  for  the  acquisition  of 
an  immense  fortune  that  ever  was  placed  in  man's  way. 
iiy  saying  one  word  to  the  tribe  I  could  have  kept  the 
white  trader  fore\cr  out  of  their  territory,  and  thus 
have  gained  the  monopoly  of  the  trade  of  the  entire 
nation  for  any  term  of  years.  That  I  am  not  now  in 
possession  of  a  fortune  equal  to  that  of  an  Astor  or  a 
Uirard  is  solely  the  fault  of  my  own  indolence,  and  1 
do  not  to  tills  moment  see  how  I  came  to  neglect  the 
golden  opportunity. 

While  returning  from  the  trading-post,  we  fell  in 
with  a  party  of  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  Chey- 
enne warriors,  to  oppose  wiiom  we  numbered  but  two 
imndred  warriors,  besides  being  encumbered  with  a 
still  greater  number  of  women.  As  good  fortune 
would  have  it,  they  attacked  us  in  the  daytime,  while 


I8U 


ai:tohiuukai'JIv  uk 


wc  were  moving;  wliercas,  had  they  but  waited  till 
we  were  encamped,  and  our  lior.scs  turned  out,  1  do 
not  see  Jiow  we  could  have  e.scaj)ed  defeat,  in  trav- 
eling, every  warrior  led  his  war-horse  by  his  side,  with 
lance  and  shield  attached  to  the  saddle. 

The  enemy  was  iirst  seen  by  one  of  our  scouts  at 
some  little  distance  from  the  nuiin  body.  ( )n  see- 
ing they  were  discovered,  they  gave  chase  to  him,  and 
f.ontinued  on  until  they  came  upon  our  wliolc  party. 
Iwery  man  transferred  himself  to  his  war-horse,  and 
was  instantly  ready  to  receive  them.  They  advanced 
upon  our  line,  were  received  without  wavering,  and 
fmally  driven  back.  It  was  now  our  turn  to  attack. 
Wc  charged  furiously  with  our  whole  force,  complete- 
ly sweeping  every  thing  from  before  us,  and  killing  or 
dis.ibling  at  least  fifty  of  the  enemy.  Tlicy  rallied 
and  returned,  but  the  reception  they  met  with  soon 
put  them  to  rout,  and  they  Hed  precipitately  into  the 
timber,  where  wc  did  not  care  to  follow  them. 

Our  loss  was  severe :  nine  warriors  killed  and  thir- 
teen wounded,  including  myself,  who  had  received  an 
arrow  in  the  head — not  so  serious,  however,  as  to  pre- 
vent me  doing  duty.  AYe  also  lost  one  pack-horse, 
laden  with  goods,  but  no  scalps.  We  took  eleven 
scalps  upon  the  iield,  and  the  Cheyennes  afterward 
confessed  to  the  loss  of  fifty-six  warriors.  AVhen  we 
lost  a  horse  in  the  action,  the  women  would  immedi- 
ately supply  its  place  with  a  fresh  one.  We  were 
nearly  two  hundred  miles  from  home,  and  we  carried 
our  dead  all  the  way  thither. 

On  arriving  at  home,  I  found  my  father  greatly  ir- 
ritated. He  had  lost  two  hundred  and  fifty  head  of 
horses  from  his  own  herd,  stolen  by  the  Black  ¥cct, 
who  liad  raised  a  general  contribution  from  tlie  whole 


JAMES    1*.    HEl'KWOLItTJI. 


181 


loet, 
hole 


village.  His  voice  wns  still  for  war,  and  he  insisted  on 
giving  immediate  chase.  1  dissuaded  him  *'rom  his 
intention,  representing  to  him  his  advanced  years,  and 
pxomising  to  go  myself  and  obtain  satisfaction  for  his 
losses.  lie  reluctantly  consented  to  this  arrange- 
ment; but,  four  or  five  days  after  my  departure  on  the 
errand,  his  medicine  became  so  strong  that  he  started 
oft"  with  a  party,  taking  an  opposite  direction  to  the 
one  I  liad  gone  on.  JMy  party  consisted  of  two  hund- 
i-ed  and  twenty  good  warriors,  and  my  course  lay  for 
the  head-waters  of  the  Arkansas,  in  the  Arrap-a-ho 
country. 

We  fell  in  with  no  enemies  on  our  way  until  we  ar- 
rived at  a  village  which  contained  upward  of  one  hund- 
red lodges.  We  formed  our  plans  for  assaulting  the 
place  the  next  day,  when  we  discovered  four  white 
men,  whom  we  surrounded.  The  poor  fellows  thought 
their  last  day  was  come,  and  I  was  amused  to  ovcr- 
liear  their  conversation. 

They  will  surely  kill  us  all,"  said  one. 
In  what  manner  will  they  kill  us  ?"  asked  another. 
They  may  burn  us,"  suggested  a  third. 
Then   they    communed    among    themselves,  little 
thinking  there  was  one  overhearing  them  who  sympa- 
thized with  every  apprehension  they  expressed. 

They  summed  up  their  consultation  by  one  saying, 
"  If  they  attempt  to  kill  us,  let  us  use  our  knives  to 
the  best  advantage,  and  sell  our  lives  as  dearly  as 
possible." 

"Gentlemen,"  said  I,  "  I  will  spare  you  that  trouble." 
"Great  God  I"  they  exclaimed,  "  Mr.  Beckwourth, 
is  that  you  ?" 

"  Yes,"  I  replied,  "  that  is  my  name.  You  are  per- 
fectly safe,  but  you  must  not  leave  our  camp  till  to- 
morrow," 


a 


ii 


a 


182 


AL'TUBIUOKAPHY    OF 


"For  what  reason?"  they  inquired. 

"  Jk'causc  tlierc  is  a  village  close  by  which  we  mean 
to  assault  at  daybreak,  and  we  do  not  wish  our  design 
to  be  '"nown." 

"Oh,"  said  they,  "we  should  not  communicate  your 
designs,  and  wc  did  not  even  know  of  the  village." 

They  then  poured  out  bctbre  me  a  whole  sea  of  mis- 
fortunes. They  had  been  trapping — had  met  with  very 
good  success  ;  the  Indians  had  stolen  their  liorses  ;  in 
attempting  to  cross  the  river  by  means  of  a  badly-con- 
structed raft,  the  raft  liad  fallen  to  pieces,  and  they  had 
lost  every  thing — })cltry,  guns,  and  amnmnition.  They 
were  now  making  their  way  to  New  Mexico,  with  noth- 
ing to  eat  and  no  gun  to  kill  game  with.  They  were 
among  Indians,  and  were  two  or  tlmje  hundred  miles 
from  the  nearest  settlements  of  Xew  ^Mexico.  I  en- 
tertained them  well  while  they  staid,  and,  after  our 
assault  in  the  morning,  I  gave  them  two  guns  and 
twenty  rounds  of  ammunition,  and  counseled  them  to 
take  advantage  of  the  surprise  of  the  Indians  to  make 
good  their  escape.  One  of  the  four  afterward  inform- 
ed me  tliat  they  reached  the  settlements  in  safety, 
having  killed  a  buffalo  and  a  deer  on  the  way. 

We  made  the  assault  as  appointed.  Wc  were 
mounted  on  ho''scs  wc  had  taken  from  the  village  dur- 
ing the  night,  as  Indians  go  on  horse-stealing  expedi- 
tions on  foot.  I  divided  my  force  into  two  bodies, 
giving  my  principal  scout  the  command  of  one.  I 
gave  orders  to  run  off  their  horses  witliout  riskirg  a 
battle,  if  no  opposition  were  offered  ;  but,  if  they  show- 
ed tight,  to  kill  whatever  came  in  their  way.  TIic 
Arrap-a-hos  are  very  poor  warriors,  but  on  this  occa- 
sion they  defended  themselves  with  commendable  zeal 
and  bravery.     We  were,  however,  compelled  to  kill 


JAMEH 


BECKWUL'RTH. 


18a 


iburtcen  of  them,  for  our  own  security,  before  we  could 
oct  tlicir  liorses  well  started.     Un  our  side  we  had  four 

o 

wounded ;  and  if  tliey  had  not  delayed  to  scalp  the 
fallen  Indians,  tliat  might  liavc  been  avoided. 

We  succeeded  in  driving  away  over  sixteen  hund- 
red horses,  all  well  conditioned,  with  which  we  arrived 
safely  at  home.  jNIy  father  also  returned  about  tho 
same  time  with  near  three  thousand  head,  all  superior 
animals.  The  Bull's  Kobe  family  had  certainly  done 
wonders,  and  we  were  entertained  to  the  greatest  feast 
[  had  ever  seen.  The  whole  village  was  illuminated 
with  numerous  feux  de  Joie,  and  such  dancing  was 
never  known  before. 

I  received  another  addition  to  my  list  of  titles  hi 
commemoration  of  this  event,  Is-ko-chu-e-chu-rc,  the 
Kneniy  of  Horses. 

A  feud  now  broke  out,  which  had  been  long  brew- 
ing, between  two  diflcrcnt  parties  in  our  village,  one 
of  which  worsliipcd  foxes,  and  the  other  worshiped 
dogs.  The  warriors  of  the  latter  party  were  called 
Dog  Soldiers,  of  which  I  was  the  leader ;  the  other 
party  was  led  by  Red  Eyes.  The  quarrel  originated 
about  the  prowess  of  the  respective  parties,  and  was 
fostered  by  lied  JOyes,  on  the  part  of  the  rival  compa- 
ny, and  by  Yellow  Belly  (in  Indian  A-re-she-res),  a 
man  in  my  company.  This  A-re-shc-rcs  was  as  brave 
:in  Indian  as  ever  trod  the  plain,  but  he  was  also  a  very 
bad  Indian — that  is,  he  was  disagreeable  in  his  man- 
ners, and  very  insulting  in  his  conversation. 

Red  Eyes  was  equally  brave,  but  of  a  diftcrent  dis- 
position. His  v,*as  a  reserved  pride  ;  the  braggadocio 
of  A-rc-slie-res  offended  him.  This  rivalry  developed 
into  an  open  rupture,  and  the  pipe-men  were  obliged  to 
incerfere  to  prevent  open  hostilities.     At  length  it  was 


1«4 


Al  TUBIOCIKAI'HY    UF 


proposed,  in  order  to  cement  .1  iinal  ])C.ice  between  tho 
two  warriors,  tiiat  each  slioiiid  .select  i'rom  liis  own  par- 
ty a  certain  number  of  men,  and  go  and  wage  common 
war  against  some  enemy — tlie  question  of  bravery  to 
be  decided  by  the  number  of  scalps  brought  in  on  eacli 
side. 

Kcd  JOyes  accordingly  chose  from  his  party  eighteen 
of  tlic  best  men,  himself  making  tho  nineteenth — men 
who  would  sutler  deatii  rather  than  show  tiieir  backs 
to  the  enemy.  A-re-shc-res,  with  his  accustomed  fan- 
faronade, said,  *'  I  can  beat  that  i)arty  with  less  men : 
I  will  only  take  sixteoi  men,  and  bring  in  more  scalps 
than  they.'' 

lie  came  to  me  and  said,  "Enemy  of  Horses,  I  want 
you  to  go  with  me  and  die  witii  me.  It  is  of  no  use 
for  you  to  stay  with  this  people  ;  tliey  are  not  brave 
any  longer.  Come  with  me,  and  we  will  enter  the 
spirit  land  together,  where  the  inhabitants  are  all  brave. 
There  is  better  hunting  ground  in  the  country  of  the 
Great  Spirit.     Come  I" 

1  replied  I  would  rather  not  go  on  such  an  errand. 
I  have  women  to  live  for,  and  defend  against  the  ene- 
nnes  of  the  Crows ;  that  when  J  fought  1  wished  to 
destroy  the  enemy  and  preserve  my  own  life.  "That," 
said  I,  "  is  bravery  and  prudence  combined." 

"  Ah  !"  answered  he,  "  you  a  leader  of  the  Dog  Sol- 
diers, and  refuse  to  go !  There  are  prettier  women  in 
the  land  of  the  Clreat  Spirit  than  any  of  your  squaws, 
and  game  in  much  greater  abundance.  I  care  noth- 
ing about  my  life  :  1  am  ready  to  go  to  the  land  of  tho 
Cireat  Sj)irit.  Vou  nnist  go  with  me ;  perhaps  your 
medicine  will  save  not  only  yourself,  but  all  of  us.  li 
so,  it  will  be  so  much  the  better." 

I,  not  wishing  to  be  thought  cowardly,  especially  by 


lAMKS    I'.   HKCKWOIKTII. 


i«rj 


A-rc-shc-res,  at  Icngtli  consented  to  acconi])any  liini, 
on  tlie  condition  that  he  wouhl  stiiic  all  liarsh  t'eelinjx 
against  our  brethren,  and,  let  our  expedition  result  as 
it  would,  accept  the  deciaion  in  good  faith,  and  never 
refer  to  the  past. 

*'  It  is  well,"  he  said ;  *'  let  it  be  as  vour  words 
speak.*' 

The  two  parties  started  on  different  routes  to  the 
(jiieyenne  country.  J  regarded  it  as  a  foolhardy  en- 
terprise, but  if  it  resulted  in  the  establisiinient  of  peace, 
I  was  contented  to  take  part  in  it,  at  whatever  per- 
sonal sacrifice.  Wc  used  every  precaution  against  a 
surprise,  and  A-re-she-rcs  willingly  adaj)ted  his  move- 
ments to  my  counsel ;  for,  though  he  was  as  brave  as 
a  lion,  and  fought  with  the  utmost  desperation,  he  was 
very  inconsiderate  of  consequences,  and  had  no  power 
of  calculating  present  combinations  to  come  at  a  de- 
sired result. 

After  traveling  about  twenty  days,  wc  arrived  at  a 
considerable  elevation,  from  whence  we  could  see,  at 
some  distance  on  the  prairie,  about  thirty  of  the  ene- 
my engaged  in  killing  buffalo.  We  could  also  see 
their  village  at  a  distance  of  three  miles. 

"There  is  an  opportunity, "said A-re-she-rcs;  "now 
let  us  charge  these  Indians  in  the  open  prairie." 

"  No,  no,"  I  replied  ;  "there  are  too  many  of  them; 
the  Cheyennes  are  brave  wamors ;  if  you  wish  to  car- 
ry home  their  scalps,  we  must  get  into  their  path  and 
waylay  them ;  by  that  means  we  shall  kill  many  of 
them,  and  run  less  risk  of  our  own  lives.  We  shall 
gain  more  honor  by  preserving  the  lives  of  our  war- 
riors, and  taking  back  the  scalps  of  the  enemy,  than 
by  sacrificing  our  lives  in  a  rash  and  inconsiderate 
charge." 


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AI'TOUJOUKAPIIV    OF 


"  Your  words  are  true,"  said  he,  "  and  we  will  do  as 
you  say." 

"  Then,"  added  1,  "turn  your  robes  the  hair  side 
out,  and  follow  me." 

W'c  wound  our  way  down  the  trail  through  which 
they  must  necessarily  pa?s  to  reacli  their  viilnge,  and 
kept  on  until  we  reached  a  place  where  there  wore  three 
gullies  worn  by  the  passage  of  the  water.  Througli 
the  centre  gully  the  trail  passed,  tlius  leaving  a  formi- 
dable position  on  each  side,  in  wliicli  an  ambuscade 
had  ample  concealment.  1  divided  my  party,  giving 
the  command  of  one  division  to  A-re-she-rcs.  We 
took  our  stations  in  the  ditches  on  each  side  the  trail, 
though  not  exactly  opposite  to  each  other.  I  directed 
the  opposite  party  not  to  fu'c  a  gun  until  they  should 
hear  ours,  and  then  each  man  to  take  the  enemy  in  the 
order  of  precedence.  The  unsuspecting  Cheyennes, 
as  soon  as  they  had  finished  butchering  and  dressing 
the  builalo,  began  to  a2)proach  us  in  parties  of  from 
three  to  eight  or  ten,  their  horses  loaded  with  meat, 
which  tliey  were  bearing  to  the  village.  When  there 
were  about  a  dozen  abreast  of  my  party,  I  made  a  sig- 
nal to  fire,  and  nine  Cheyennes  fell  before  our  balls,  and 
eight  before  those  of  A-re-she-res's  party.  Some  few 
of  the  enemy  who  had  passed  on,  hearing  the  guns,  re- 
turned to  see  what  the  matter  was,  and  three  of  them 
became  victims  to  our  bullets.  We  all  rushed  from 
our  hiding-places  then,  and  some  fell  to  scalping  the 
prostrate  foe,  and  some  to  cutting  the  lashings  of  the 
meat  in  order  to  secure  the  horses,  the  remainder  keep- 
ing the  surviving  enemy  at  bay.  Having  taken  twenty 
scalps,  we  sprang  upon  the  horses  we  had  freed  from 
tlieir  packs,  and  retreated  precipitately,  for  the  enemy 
was  coming  in  sigl     in  great  numbers. 


iiorse 

wlierc 

irom  ■ 

advan 

as  in 

.'<cvera 

ancmy 

cd  ass 

ILS.       1 

hut  AVC 

To  sea 

Burj 

Lcg-iu- 

aimed 

braves. 

weapon 

wound ; 

lie  mar 

midst. 

%  th 

whicli  i: 

v.ould  b 

wouiidet 

witii  a  I 

made  lip- 

no  Jongc] 

'ixe  with 

WJien 

perceived 

impossib] 

us  with  I 

■calps  at 

'^■at,  we  p; 


JAMES    1'.   IJECKWOriiTH. 


l.s; 


AVc  made  direct  for  the  timber,  and,  leaving  our 
horses,  took  refuge  in  a  rocky  place  in  the  mountain, 
where  we  considered  ourseb/es  protected  for  a  while 
irom  their  attacks.  To  storm  us  in  front  they  had  to 
advance  riglit  in  the  face  of  our  bullets,  and  to  reacli 
us  in  the  rear  they  had  to  take  a  circuitous  route  ot' 
several  miles  round  the  base  of  the  mountain.  The 
enemy  evinced  the  utmost  bravery,  as  they  made  repeat- 
ed assaults  riglit  up  to  the  Ibrtification  that  sheltered 
U.S.  Their  bullets  showered  avound  us  without  injury, 
ijut  Avc  could  bring  down  one  man  at  every  discharge. 
To  scalp  them,  however,  was  out  of  the  question. 

During  the  combat  a  great  Cheyenne  brave,  named 
Lcg-in-the-AVfiter,  charged  directly  into  our  niitlst,  and 
aimed  a  deadly  thrust  with  his  lance  at  one  of  our 
braves.  The  warrior  assailed  instantly  shivered  the 
weapon  with  his  battle-axe,  and  inflicted  a  ghastly 
wound  in  his  assailant's  shoulder  with  a  i'econd  blow. 
He  managed  to  escape,  leaving  his  horst  dead  in  our 
midst. 

J3y  this  time  we  were  encompassed  with  the  enemy, 
which  induced  the  belief  in  our  minds  that  retreat 
v.ould  be  the  safest  course.  jN'one  of  our  party  was 
wounded  except  A-re-she-res,  who  had  his  arm  broken 
with  a  bullet  between  the  shoulder  and  elbow.  He 
made  light  of  the  wound,  only  regretting  that  he  could 
uo  longer  discharge  his  gun  ;  but  he  wielded  his  battle- 
axe  with  his  left  hand  as  well  as  ever. 

AYlien  night  came  on  we  evacuated  our  fortress,  un- 
perceived  by  our  enemies.  They,  deeming  our  escape 
impossible,  were  quietly  resting,  intending  to  assault 
us  with  Lheir  whole  force  in  the  morning,  and  take  our 
.;calps  at  all  hazards.  ^Moving  with  the  stealth  of  a 
oat,  we  proceeded  along  tlie  summit  of  a  rocky  clifl 


IHH 


AUTOKlUiJKAl'JlV    OF 


until  we  came  to  a  cleft  or  ravine,  through  which  W(^ 
descended  from  the  bluff  to  the  bottom,  which  was 
covered  with  p  heavy  growth  of  timber.  A\'^e  then 
hastened  home,  arriving  there  on  the  twenty-eigbth 
day  from  the  time  we  left. 

They  had  given  us  over  for  lost ;  but  when  they 
saw  us  returning  with  twenty  scalps,  and  only  one  of 
our  party  hurt,  their  grief  gave  way  to  admiration,  and 
we  were  hailed  witli  shouts  of  applause. 

Our  rival  party,  under  lied  i'^yes,  had  returned  live 
or  six  days  previou.«ly,  bringing  with  them  seventeen 
scalps,  obtained  at  the  loss  of  one  man.  Our  party 
was  declared  the  victor,  since  we  had  taken  the  great- 
er number  of  scalps,  with  the  weaker  party,  and  with- 
out loss  of  life,  thus  excelling  our  rivals  in  three  sev- 
eral points.  lied  Eyes  clieerfully  acknowledged  him- 
self beaten,  good  feeling  was  restored,  and  the  subject 
of  each  other's  bravery  was  never  after  discussed. 

We  had  still  another  advantage,  inasmuch  as  wo 
could  dance,  a  celebration  they  were  deprived  of,  as 
they  had  lost  a  warrior ;  they,  li^^'^ever,  joined  our 
party,  and  wanted  nothing  in  liea^L"  (;ss  to  render  our 
dance  sufficiently  boisterous  to  suffice  for  the  purpose 
of  both. 

All  the  dancing  is  performed  in  the  open  air,  witli 
the  solid  ground  for  a  floor.  It  consists  of  jumping 
up  and  down,  intermixed  with  violent  gestures  and 
stamping ;  they  keep  time  with  a  drum  or  tambourine, 
composed  of  antelope-skin  stretched  over  a  hoop,  the 
whole  party  singing  during  the  performance. 


JAMES   V.    BECKVVOUKTil. 


189 


CHAPTKJl  XIV. 

Chcyenncs.  'Natural  1  ort.— Trouble  with  the 

.ilS?jr,!-^'°A^  '''^",*  "<"^^°'"'y  occurrence  un- 
til fl  e  following  JIarch.  when  we  moved  from  the  wcst- 

Xongue  Elver  Mountain,  one  of  the  peaks  of  the  11  .ky 
.Mountain  eham.  The  buftUloes  had  .eecded  from  tS 
environs  of  our  old  eamping-ground,  and  had  been  a! 
traeted  to  lie  region  whither  we  removed  in  eonse- 
quenee  of  the  gi-ass  being  in  a  more  forward  state. 
Our  community  numbered  ten  thousand  souls- 

n2ZZT'  """^  ^'i"''^— together  with  an  immense 
umbe,  of  horses.  In  crossing  tlie  mountain,  we  found 
tlie  snow  to  be  of  so  great  depth,  being  tlrtherTn- 
creased  with  a  three  days'  recent  storm,  tliat  the 
mountain  was  impassable.  In  this  seve.;  journ  y 
vliich  occupied  tlirce  days,  we  had  twelve  mndred 
horses  perish  in  tlie  snow.    Previously,  ihe  Black  Feet 

<lition  to  follow  them,  as  we  were  all  engaged  in  pack- 
ing up  for  removal.     We  reached  the  prLe,  on  tt 
astern  sule  of  the  mountain,  after  a  toilsome  journej' 
and  found  good  camping-ground  on  Box  Elder  Creek 
The  morning  following  our  arrival  we  started  on  a 

ritio  '"  ^      \  "'  "'■'^  '"'^  "P""'''  «^  «-  -hole 
saddle-horse.     I  had  nee  proceeded  far  before  I  hefrd 


190 


ALTOIUOIUUPIIY    OK 


a  noise  that  sounded  very  much  like  a  war-hoop.  I 
stopi^cd  my  horse  to  listen.  Those  near  me  said  it 
was  a  signal  from  one  of  tiio  parties,  who  had  discov- 
ered buffalo,  and  we  proceeded  on  our  journey.  Soon, 
however,  i  heard  the  yell  again,  and  I  became  satislicd 
there  was  something  more  than  buffalo  astir.  I  rode 
to  a  small  eminence  close  by,  and  descried  a  party  of 
our  hunters  at  a  distance  making  signals  for  others  to 
succor  them.  I  turned  back  to  my  wives,  and  dis- 
patched two  of  them  to  the  village  for  my  war  instru- 
ments, and  then  galloped  on  to  ascertain  the  cause  of 
the  alarm.  Not  more  than  fifty  of  our  warriors  were 
then  before  me. 

I  then  learned  that  they  had  before  tlnm  a  party  of 
one  hundred  and  sixty  I^lack  Foot  warriors,  who  had 
thrown  themselves  into  an  apparently  impregnable 
fortress.  It  was  a  Stronghold  manifestly  thrown  up 
in  some  of  Nature's  grand  convulsions,  it  would  seem, 
for  the  very  purpose  to  wliich  it  was  now  applied.  It 
was  a  huge  mass  of  granite,  forming  a  natural  wall  in 
front  of  a  graduated  height,  varying  from  twenty-five 
feet  to  six  feet,  the  lowest  part;  it  was  solid,  and  nearly 
perpendicular  all  round. 

There  was  in  our  camp  a  young  Kentuekian  named 
Robert  Mildrum,  naturally  a  brave  fellow,  though  he 
seldom  went  out  in  the  war  parties  ;  but  when  the  vil- 
lage was  assaulted,  he  always  fought  like  a  tiger.  He 
was  a  good  trapper  and  a  skillful  blacksmith,  and  had 
been  out  in  the  employ  of  the  American  Fur  Coi^pa- 
ny.  I  met  him  while  we  were  surveying  the  enemy's 
stronghold. 

I  said  to  him,  "  Mildrum,  if  the  adage  is  true,  there 
is  policy  in  war.  These  Indians  make  no  question  of 
our  bravery;  had  we  not  better  resign  to  them  the 


>• 
H 

ft 
> 
H 

H 
C 

>■ 
H 


i 

it 

3V- 

011, 

icd 

ode 

of 

3  to 

dis- 

tru- 

;  of 

vere 

r 

1       I 

)rof 
had 

> 

H 

r 

able 

>• 

1  uyi 

2em, 
.    It 

> 

.11 
t-fi 


in 


vc 


!ar 


ly 


Lm 


ed 


li  lie 
vil- 
He 
had 


Iherc 
of 
the 


bru 
cau] 
tern 


a 


fray 
the  ( 


(( 


T 

ber  ( 

the  i 

chief. 

iindei 

the  a 

soon 

taken 

by  st( 

our  hi 

what  1 

Lor 

riors,  1 

emy  h, 

from  it 

retreat 

I  rej 

old  mei 

and  chi 

Feet:  i 

here,  we 

I'iors  thj 

our  frier 

those  in 

us  there. 

Oreat  Sj 

'f  we  do 


JAMES    r.   BKCKWOUKTII. 


193 


brunt  of  this  encounter,  and  not  expose  our  lives  in  a 
cause  that  we  have  no  concern  in  ?  How  do  you  in- 
tend to  act?" 

"As  for  me,"  said  ]\Iildrum,  "I  must  be  in  the 
fray.  If  we  are  to  sec  any  fun,  I  want  my  share  of 
the  entertainment." 

"  Well,"  said  I,  "  I  shall  endeavor  to  keep  by  you." 

The  Indians  had  by  this  time  assembled  to  the  num- 
ber of  from  five  to  seven  hundred,  and  were  watching 
the  fort  indecisively,  awaiting  instructions  from  the 
chief.  Many  had  succeeded  in  mnning  and  sheltering 
under  the  wall,  while  several  had  been  shot  in  making 
the  attempt.  I  ran  to  the  wall  to  reconnoitre  it,  and 
soon  saw  there  were  two  ways  in  which  it  could  be 
taken ;  one  was  by  bombardment,  and  the  other  was 
by  storm.  Bombardment  was  out  of  the  question,  as 
our  heaviest  calibre  was  a  rifle-bore.  I  waited  to  see 
what  steps  would  be  taken. 

Long  Hair,  the  head  chief  of  the  nation,  said,  "War- 
riors, listen !  Our  marrow-bones  are  broken  ;  the  en- 
emy has  chosen  a  strong  fort ;  we  can  not  drive  them 
from  it  without  sacrificing  too  many  men.  Warriors, 
retreat!" 

I  replied,  "  No ;  hold !  Warriors,  listen  I  If  these 
old  men  can  not  fight,  let  them  retire  with  the  women 
and  children.  We  can  kill  every  one  of  these  Black 
Feet :  then  let  us  do  it.  If  we  attempt  to  run  from 
here,  we  shall  be  shot  in  the  back,  and  lose  more  war- 
riors than  to  fight  and  kill  them  all.  If  we  get  killed, 
our  friends  who  love  us  here  will  mourn  our  loss,  while 
those  in  the  spirit  land  will  sing  and  rejoice  to  welcome 
us  there,  if  we  ascend  to  them  dying  like  braves.  The 
Great  Spirit  has  sent  these  enemies  here  for  us  to  slay ; 
if  we  do  not  slay  them,  he  will  be  angry  with  us,  and 


194 


Al'TUIJUJCRAI'lIV    OF 


will  never  Ruflor  us  to  conquer  our  ononiios  again.     lie 
will  ilrivo  oil"  all  our  Inill'alocs,  and  will  witlior  the  o;ra.ss 


N< 


wo  will  iiu'lit  as  Ion;'' 


on  tlic  ]>ran'U's.      A o,  warriors  .    ,,,.  ,, ^. 

us  one  ot'  them  stii  vivos.      Conic,  follow  mc,  and  I  will 

sliow  von   linw  tlic   hraves  ot"  the  tiTcat  white  chiel" 

o 

il<i'lit  tlu'ir  (MK'inics  1" 
o 

"  JCncniy  of  Horses,**'  exclaimed  hundreds  of  the 
brave  an<l  impatient  warriors  who  were  crowded  round 
me,  ""lead  us,  and  we  will  follow  you  to  the  spirit 
land." 

^Vcceptinn;  the  charge,  I  stationed  a  large  Lody  of 
those  who  were  never  known  to  ilinch  on  one  side  of 
the  position,  which  1,  with  my  followers,  intended  to 
scale.  1  thus  thought  to  enG;aij;c  the  attention  of  the 
enemy  initil  we  made  good  our  entrance,  when  I  felt  no 
longer  doubtful  of  success.  I  then  told  them  as  J 
threw  up  my  shield  the  third  time,  and  shouted  "lloo- 
ki-hi,"they  were  to  scale  the  wall  as  fast  as  possible, 
and  beat  down  whatever  resistance  might  be  oft'ered 
them. 

I  had  divested  myself  of  all  my  weapons  except  my 
battle-axe  and  scalping-knifc,  the  latter  being  attached 
to  my  wrist  with  a  string.  I  then  made  the  signal, 
and  when  1  raised  the  shout  "  lloo-ki-hi,"  the  party 
opposite  began  to  hoist  one  another  up.  When  1 
sprang  for  the  summit  of  the  wall,  I  found  that  my 
women  were  holding  my  belt ;  I  cut  it  loose  with  my 
knife,  and  left  it  in  their  hands.  I  was  the  first  on 
the  wall,  but  was  immediately  followed  by  some  scores 
of  warriors.  The  enemy's  whole  attention,  when  we 
entered  the  arena,  was  directed  to  the  opposite  party, 
and  we  had  time  to  cut  numbers  down  before  they  were 
aware  of  our  entrance.  The  carnage  for  some  min- 
utes was  fearful,  and  the  Black  Feet  fought  with  des- 


JAMES    I'.   UKCKWf^rUTH. 


11)5 


L-ed 


pcration,  knowing  their  incvitaolc  doom  if  taken.  The 
clash  ot*  battle-axes,  and  the  yells  of  the  opposing  coni- 
Ijatants  were  truly  appalling.  ]Many  leaped  the  wall 
only  to  meet  their  eertaiii  doom  below,  where  hundreds 
of  Ijattle-axcs  and  lances  were  ready  to  drink  their 
blood  as  soon  as  they  touehed  ground.  The  interior 
surface  of  this  huge  rock  was  concave,  and  the  blood 
all  ran  to  the  centre,  where  it  formed  a  poo^  which 
emitted  a  sickening  smell  as  the  warm  vapor  ascended 
to  our  nostrils.  It  was  also  a  work  of  great  difliculty 
to  keep  one's  feet,  as  the  mingled  gore  and  brains  were 
scattered  every  where  round  this  fatal  place.  The 
blood  of  the  Crow  and  the  Jilack  Foot  mingled  togeth- 
er in  this  common  pool,  for  many  of  our  warriors  fell 
in  this  terrible  strife. 

All  was  silent  within  a  few  minutes  after  we  had 
gained  an  entrance.  Victims  who  were  making  away 
with  their  bowels  ripped  open  were  instantly  felled 
with  the  battle-axe  and  stilled  in  death.  The  wound- 
ed were  cared  for  by  tlieir  friends,  and  the  dead  re- 
moved from  sight.  Upward  of  forty  Crows  were  kill- 
ed, and  double  the  number  wounded.  There  were  en- 
gaged on  the  side  of  the  Crows  about  twenty  white 
men,  and  only  one  was  wounded,  though  nearly  all 
scaled  the  wall  with  the  Indians.  Mildrum  was  seri- 
ously injured  by  leaping  from  the  heights  after  an  In- 
dian, but  he  soon  recovered. 

Our  spoils  were  one  hundred  and  sixty  scalps,  and 
an  immense  quantity  of  guns  and  ammunition,  a  large 
amount  of  dried  meats,  with  arrows,  lances,  knives, 
in  great  abundance. 

Here  an  incident  happened  with  my  little  wift  and 
mother  worth  mentioning.  They  were  seated  outside, 
and  under  the  wall,  when  Owl  Bear,  one  of  the  chiefs. 


196 


Ai:TuiU()(iUAi'ii\   or 


liapponing  to  pass,  asked  the  girl  if  she  was  not  the 
wife  of  the  Kiicmy  of  Jlorscs.  Hlie  answered  that  slu; 
was. 

"I  thouglit  so,"  he  said,  "because  you  are  such  a 
pretty  little  Kfjuaw ;  but  you  liave  no  husband  now; 
he  was  shot  through  the  head  in  the  fort,  and  instant- 
ly killed  ;  and  here  you  are  playing  with  sticks  I" 

Tlic  poor  tiling,  together  with  her  mother,  screamed 
out  at  the  intelligence,  and,  seizing  a  battle-axe,  each 
cut  off  a  finger.  The  girl  then  stabbed  her  forehead 
with  a  knife,  and  was  instantly  dripping  Avitli  blood. 
The  chief  came  laughing  to  me,  and  said,  "  That  little 
wife  of  yours  loves  you  better  than  any  of  your  other 
wives." 

*'  How  do  you  know?"  I  inquired. 

*'  I^ccause  I  told  them  all  you  were  dead,  and  she 
was  the  only  one  that  cut  otf  a  finger ;"  and  he  laugh- 
ed aloud  as  he  passed  on. 

Soon,  however,  she  climbed  the  Avail,  and  forced  her 
way  into  the  fort,  and  came  directly  to  me.  She  pre- 
sented a  sickening  spectacle,  and  w^as  covered  entirely 
with  blood.  Seeing  me,  she  burst  into  tears,  and  as 
soon  as  she  could  articulate,  said,  "  Why,  you  are  not 
dead,  after  all !  Owl  Bear  told  me  you  were  killed, 
and  I  came  to  seek  your  body." 

"Who  arc  you  mourning  for?"  Tasked;  "is  your 
brother  or  father  scalped  ?" 

"No ;  I  mourned  because  I  thought  you  were  kill- 
ed; Owl  Bear  told  me  you  were." 

"  You  must  not  believe  all  you  hear,"  I  said;  "  some 
Indians  have  crooked  tongues.  But  come  and  spread 
your  robe,  and  carry  this  gun  and  spoils  of  my  first 
victim  to  the  village,  and  there  wash  your  fac»  and 
bind  up  your  linger." 


.i.\Mi:s  I'.  HKcKWunriii. 


11)7 


)ur 
lill- 


Shc  did  as  1  directed  her,  and  departed. 

As  soon  us  we  liad  colleeted  all  the  tropliics  be- 
queathed us  by  our  fallen  toes,  and  gathered  all  our 
own  dead,  we  moved  back  to  the  new  camp.  ( )n  our 
way,  1  exerted  myself  to  the  utmost  to  console  the  af- 
ilictcd  mourners.  I  told  them  that  their  friends  were 
happy  in  the  spirit  land,  where  there  were  no  ene- 
mies to  fight,  where  all  was  everlasting  contentment, 
and  where  they  were  happy  in  endless  amusement.  I 
said  that  in  a  few  days  1  wouhl  avenge  the  fall  of  our 
warriors,  and  depart  for  that  ])eaceful  land  myself. 

I  could  nlainly  sec  that  this  last  promise  aiforded 
them  more  satisfaction  than  all  my  other  consoling  re- 
marks ;  but  I  disliked  to  sec  their  horrid  lashion  of 
mourning,  and  my  promise  of  future  victory  speedily 
washed  their  faces  of  their  present  grief;  for  a  prom- 
ise from  me  was  confided  in  by  all  the  tribe.  There 
was,  of  course,  no  dancing,  for  we  had  lost  too  many 
warriors ;  but  in  the  evening  there  was  great  visiting 
throughout  the  village,  to  talk  over  the  events  of  the 
day,  and  hear  the  statements  of  those  who  had  taken 
part  in  the  battle.  Long  Ilair  came  to  the  lodge  of 
my  father  to  congratulate  me  on  my  great  feat  in  scal- 
ing the  wall,  and  to  talk  of  the  victory  of  his  people 
achieved  through  my  valor.  All  who  were  present  re- 
lated the  deeds  they  had  performed.  As  each  narrated 
his  exploits,  all  listened  with  profound  attention. 

While  this  was  going  on,  my  little  wife,  who  sat 
near  by,  crawled  behind  me,  and,  whispering  in  my 
ear,  inquired  if  I  had  obtained  any  coos.  These  coos 
she  inquired  after  arc  the  same  as  counts  in  a  game  of 
billiards  :  the  death  of  one  warrior  counts  as  one  ;  of 
two  warriors  counts  as  two ;  every  battle-axe  or  gun 
taken  counts  one  to  the  victor's  merit.     I  said  I  had 


J  98 


at:tobiograpiiy  op 


not,  at  wliich  she  looked  aghast.  But  when  the  ques- 
tion was  ])ut  to  me  by  the  chief  shortly  after,  I  an- 
swered "Eleven."  On  this  she  administered  eleven 
taps  on  my  back  with  her  hnger,  and  again  whispered, 
"Ah!  I  thouglit  your  tongue  was  crooked  when  you 
told  me  you  had  no  coos.''''  All  the  coos  are  registered 
in  the  great  medicine  lodge  in  favor  of  the  brave  who 
wins  them. 

I  trust  that  the  reader  does  not  suppose  that  I  waded 
through  these  scenes  of  carnage  and  desolation  with- 
out some  serious  reflections  on  the  matter.  Disgust- 
ed at  the  repeated  acts  of  cruelty  I  witnessed,  I  often 
resolved  to  leave  these  wild  children  of  the  forest  and 
return  to  civilized  life  ;  but  before  I  could  act  upon 
my  d  cision,  another  scene  of  strife  would  occur,  and 
the  Enemy  of  Horses  was  always  the  first  sought  for 
by  the  tribe.  1  had  been  uniformly  successful  so  far  : 
and  how  I  had  escaped,  while  scores  of  warriors  had 
been  stricken  down  at  my  side,  was  more  than  I  could 
understand.  I  was  well  aware  that  many  of  my  friends 
knew  of  the  life  I  was  leading,  and  I  almost  feared  to 
think  of  the  opinions  they  must  form  of  my  character. 
But,  in  justification,  it  may  be  urged  that  the  Crows  had 
never  shed  the  blood  of  the  white  man  during  my  stay 
in  their  camp,  and  1  did  not  intend  they  ever  should, 
if  1  could  raise  a  voice  to  prevent  it.  They  were  con- 
stantly at  war  with  tribes  who  coveted  the  scalps  of 
the  white  man,  but  tlie  Crows  were  uniformly  faithful 
in  their  obligations  to  my  race,  and  would  rather  serve 
than  injure  their  white  brethren  without  any  consider- 
ation of  profit. 

Tn  addition  to  this,  Self-interest  would  whisper  her 
counsel.  I  knew  I  could  acquire  the  riches  of  Croesus 
if  I  could  but  dispose  of  the  valuable  stock  of  peltry  I 


iiacl  the  means  of  i 

oyect  in  view  to  t^^^"^-  ^  ""^"^'''^  ''^  «" 
"•c  thousand,  of  tra  «  L;  f  "''T  "*' *''^  ^"di-ns  ,o 
'vouM  occasionaJly  u  e  arl,  '""'  ^^  '»  ™'^'-     I 

*!'cir  "nprofitabicWbld  !""""'',*"  *""  «-"■  ^on 
d'-'-y.     But  I  fb„„d\Te  I„7°"  *''?  '■"  ''---ful  in. 

i  J'ey  would  ansH-er  "oT"'- 
'-e  must  fight  and  ^^  them  T","'  ^''^■''' »"  horse. : 
"■™;     ^^'ithout  horsfrl  'et^  'f  "S"--  or  .steal  i„ 
could  we,  to  protect  our-  iTveTfil     "";"'''""«'^S  nor  . 
Mack  our  villages. "  °  '  °'"'  '"cs  ivhen  they 

I'o  prepared  to  defend  the:!:'/'  ";;"?'  ""'  ""^^ 
t>  of  Indian  troubles  arise  tio  ,?;;  •  '  '"''S"  ""^J""- 
I"-opr.ation  of  each  otI,cr-s  1  '  ""'  ""''''■^'■••■"•"eJ  ap- 
I'l-aneh  of  wealtl, ;  like  tlL  '•     ^'  '•^  *''"'■  on  v 

S-'-d  for  horses  oln  n  tb    ^'thf  7"'  ';;-^  «<"'''  *'-> 
'""tB  are  n,erely  attended  to    •         1     '^^  *''^"-  °«''"- 

;;«e'i  supplied,  they  ,00k  no  fjT  '^  *°  ''■''>-  «-> 

'o;^o,.es  is  insatiable:  the,      ' '  f'  Y  ""^"-  "W^ti.. 

W'Uram  and  myself  hadVr       '■ ''""™''"'S '"ore. 

»"''ject  while  he  was  sm    ,      ^  '^'""■O'-^'tiou  on  the 

-ved  in  leaping  ^^  t t      ?  i^"  '"r/''^'"-^  ^^  - 

;™»«''.  1  an,  pretty  ..^U    ;J^rT^'^'-y- "^'O.}^ 

''7f  i-a  great  doall",  ;,,."'  *"  ""«  I'""-'  Jifc; 
i  t  link  of  n,y  old  Kentuel  v  ,  "  '""•     '^"'  '^'■en 

;nJotherfriends,vl,o„l£:,'"r°'''^'''^^' "-'''-. 
oould  be  so  happy,  r  won         ,  ?"'  ""<■  "'''*'"  ^^-''om 

f'f/'olds  n.eherl'famonXV-'V  '^  "^="-"'<""'  •'l'"''' 
I^attles,  and  risking  „-,y  bTe  f  ,  .S'^''  «•?''«"«  tl'-ir 
;;"Ppose  exeeeds  in  value  Zu7  ""'^P;  '''''"^'  ^  «>'>ly 
<''"-«ty  heathen.     How  i„  V ,  """'■'"''  °^  *''-«»  Wood- 

o^v.  in  the  name  of  all  that  is  sa- 


200 


Al  TUJilOUKAPHV    OF 


crcd,  can  we  reconcile  ourselves  to  it  ?  V/  liy  don't  wo 
leave  them  ?" 

The  medicine  men  held  a  council,  and  resolved  to 
remove  the  village  ;  the  Great  Spirit  was  displeased 
with  the  spot,  and  had  therefore  suffered  all  our  war- 
riors to  Le  killed.  We  accordingly  pulled  up  stakes 
and  moved  a  short  distance  farther. 

While  we  were  busy  moving,  my  little  squaw  an- 
gered me,  and  I  drove  her  awr".  She  not  daring  to 
disobey  me,  I  saw  no  more  of  her  until  she  supposed 
my  anger  was  appeased.  She  then  came  to  the  lodge 
while  I  Wiis  conversing  with  my  brothers,  and,  putting 
her  childish  head  into  the  door,  said  humbly,  "  I  know 
you  are  angry  with  me,  but  I  want  you  to  come  and 
stay  at  our  lodge  to-night ;  we  are  outside  the  village, 
and  my  father  and  mother  pre  afraid." 

"Yes,"  said  my  brother,  "  she  has  no  ears  now  ;  she 
is  but  a  child  ;  slie  will  have  ears  when  she  grows  old- 
er; you  had  bet+cr  go  and  protect  the  old  people." 

I  told  her  to  run  home,  and  I  would  soon  follow. 

I  went  to  the  lodge  accordingly.  In  the  night  I 
heard  the  snorting  of  horses,  which  were  tied  near  the 
lodge  door.  I  crept  softly  out  and  looked  carefully 
around.  I  then  crawled,  without  the  least  noise,  out 
of  the  lodge,  and  caught  sight  of  an  Indian,  who  I  knew 
was  there  for  no  good  purpose.  He  Avas  using  tlie  ut- 
most precaution ;  he  had  a  sharp-pointed  stick,  witli 
which  he  raised  the  leaves  that  lay  in  his  way,  so  that 
I  lis  feet  might  not  crush  them,  and  thus  alarm  the  in- 
mates of  the  lodge.  Every  step  brought  him  nearer 
to  the  animals,  who,  with  necks  curved  and  ears  erect, 
gave  an  occasional  snort  at  the  approach  of  the  Indian. 
This  would  bring  him  to  a  halt.  Tlien  again  he  would 
bring  his  ptick  into  action,  and  prepare  a  place  for  an- 


JAMES    P.    BECKWOIJRTH. 


201 


other  step,  not  mistrusting  that  he  was  approaching- 
(lie  threshold  ot"  diviUi.  The  ropes  were  tied  dose 
to  the  lodge  door,  and  to  untie  them  he  must  approach 
^\'ithin  six  feet  of  where  I  lay  on  the  ground.  J.  let 
him  advance  as  near  as  I  thought  safe,  when,  with  one 
bound,  I  grappled  him,  and  gave  the  war-hoop.  He 
was  tlie  hardest  to  hold  that  ever  I  had  my  arnip 
nround,  but  I  liad  both  his  arms  pinned  in  my  embrace 
round  his  lithe  and  nimble  body,  and  he  could  not  re- 
lease one  so  as  to  draw  his  knife.  Instantly  we  were 
surrounded  with  fifty  armed  warriors ;  and  when  I  saw 
a  sufficient  breastwork  round  about,  I  released  my  hold 
and  stepped  back.  lie  was  riddled  with  bullets  in  an 
instant,  and  fell  without  a  cry. 

His  scalp  sufficed  to  wash  off  the  mourning-paint 
from  every  face  in  the  village,  and  all  was  turned  into 
mirth,  although  this  general  change  in  feeling  did  not 
restore  the  dismembered  fingers  or  heal  their  voluntary 
Avounds.  Greater  than  ever  was  the  Enemy  of  Horses, 
and  I  received  a  still  more  ennobling  appellation,  /SAas- 
l-a-o-/ufs/f-a,  the  Bobtail  Horse.  The  village  exhaust- 
ed itself  in  showing  its  admiration  of  my  exploit ;  and 
my  single  scalp  was  greeted  with  as  much  honor  as  if 
I  had  slaughtered  a  hundred  of  the  enemy. 


mid 


CHAPTER  XV. 

;^hort  Account  of  Pine  Loaf,  the  Crow  Heroine. — Twenty  Days'  Bat- 
tle with  the  Cheyennes. — Return  of  the  Villajre  to  the  west  Side  o!" 
the  Mountains. — Letter  from  M'Kenzie. — Visit  to  his  Trading-po>t 
at  the  Mouth  of  the  Yellow  Stone. 

In  connection  with  my  Indian  experience,  I  conceive 
it  to  be  my  duty  to  devote  a  few  lines  to  one  of  the 

I  2 


L'U2 


Al  T0B10(ii<Al'HV    uF 


m 


bravest  women  that  o  /er  lived,  namely,  l^ine  Leaf- 
Indian,  J:{ar-clicc-am-pc.  For  an  Indian,  she  possess- 
ed great  intellectual  powers.  She  was  endowed  with 
extraordinary  muscular  strength,  with  the  activity  ol" 
the  cat  and  the  speed  of  the  antelope.  Her  features 
were  pleasing,  and  her  form  symmetrical.  She  had 
lost  a  brother  in  the  attack  on  our  village  before  men- 
tioned— a  great  brave,  and  her  twin  brother.  lie  was 
a  fine  specimen  of  the  race  of  red  men,  and  bade  fair 
to  rise  to  distinction ;  but  he  was  struck  down  in  hir- 
strength,  and  Pine  ]^eaf  was  left  to  avenge  his  death. 
She  was  at  that  time  twelve  years  of  age,  and  she  sol- 
emnly vowed  that  she  Avould  never  marry  until  she 
had  killed  a  hundred  of  the  enemy  with  her  own  hand. 
Whenever  a  war-party  started,  Pine  Leaf  was  the  first 
to  volunteer  to  accompany  them.  Her  presence  among 
them  caused  much  amusement  to  the  old  veterans ;  but 
if  she  lacked  physical  strength,  she  always  rode  the 
fleetest  horses,  and  none  of  the  warriors  could  outstrip 
her.  All  admired  her  for  her  ambition,  and  as  she  ad- 
vanced in  years,  many  of  the  braves  grew  anxious  for 
the  speedy  accomplishment  of  her  vow.  8he  had 
chosen  my  party  to  serve  in,  and  when  I  engaged  in 
the  fiercest  struggles,  no  one  was  more  promptly  at  my 
side  than  the  young  heroine.  She  seemed  incapable 
of  fear ;  and  when  she  arrived  at  womanhood,  could  fire 
a  gun  without  flinching,  and  use  the  Indian  weapons 
with  as  great  dexterity  as  the  most  accomplished  war- 
rior. 

I  began  to  feel  more  than  a  common  attachment  to- 
ward her.  Her  intelligence  cliarmed  me,  and  her  mod- 
est and  becoming  demeanor  singled  her  out  from  her 
sex.  One  day,  while  riding  leisurely  along,  I  asked 
her  to  many  me  provided  we  botli  returned  safe.      She 


r 

■9 


H 
S 
3 


but 

0 
V. 

the 

3 

trip 
ad- 

r, 
■J. 

for 

C 

had 

K 

I  in 

> 

my 
ible 

r. 
■J 

fire 

ons 

irar- 

to- 

od- 

hcv 

:ea 
Uie 


aJ 
m 
th 

su 

he 
ba 
yo 


gai 
it  c 

^ 
'  p 

lea"v 

tliej 

S 
(( 

17  n 

a 

tish 

n 
a 

li 

I  let 
lier  V 
form 
immc 
my  SI 
W( 
to  ke 


lAMKS    I*.    BKCKWUl'KTII. 


2iK') 


flashed  her  dark  eye  upon  mine,  "  You  have  too  many 
jjrcady,"  she  said.  "Do  you  suppose  I  would  break 
iny  vowto  the  Great  Spirit?  He  sees  and  knows  all 
things  ;  he  would  be  angry  with  me,  and  would  not 
suffer  me  to  live  to  avenge  my  brother's  death." 

I  told  her  that  my  medicine  said  that  I  must  marry 
her,  and  then  I  could  never  be  vanquished  or  killed  in 
battle.  She  laughed  and  said,  "  Well,  I  will  marry 
you." 

"AVhen  we  return?" 

"No ;  but  when  the  pine-leaves  turn  yellow." 

I  reflected  that  it  would  soon  be  autumn,  and  re- 
garded her  promise  as  valid.  A  few  days  afterward 
it  occurred  to  my  mind  that  p'ne-leaves  do  not  turn 
yellow,  and  I  saw  I  had  been  practiced  upon. 

When  I  again  sj^oke  to  lier  on  the  subject,  I  said, 
'  Pine  Leaf,  you  promised  to  marry  me  when  the  pine- 
Icavos  should  turn  yellow :  it  has  occurred  to  me  that 
they  never  grow  yellow." 

She  returned  no  answer  except  a  hearty  laugh. 

"  Am  I  to  understand  that  you  never  intend  to  mar- 
ry me  ?"  I  inquired. 

"Yes,  I  will  marry  you,"  she  said,  with  a  coquet- 
tish sniile. 

"But  when?'' 

"  When  you  shall  find  a  red-headed  Indian." 

I  saw  I  advanced  nothing  by  importuning  her,  and 
I  let  the  matter  rest.  However,  to  help  her  on  with 
her  vow,  I  never  killed  an  Indian  if  she  was  by  to  per- 
form it  for  me,  thinking  that  when  her  number  were 
immolated  there  might  be  better  chance  of  pressing 
my  suit. 

We  frequently  shifted  our  camping-ground,  in  order 
to  keep  up  with  the  buffalo  and  furnish  our  horses 


2{m 


AITOHlU«JKAl'lIV    Ml' 


witli  sufficient  grass,  for  we  had  sucli  an  immense  num- 
ber that  the  prairie  round  our  lodges  in  a  few  days  had 
tlie  appearance  of  a  closely-mown  meadow.  Finally, 
we  removed  to  the  western  side  of  the  mountain  again, 
and  encamped  on  Little  Horn  lliver,  one  of  the  sources 
of  the  A'ellow  Stone.  Shortly  after  our  encampment, 
we  found  there  was  a  village  of  Cheycnnes  about  twelve 
iniles  distant,  and  an  incessant  warfare  was  maintained 
between  the  two  villages  for  twenty  days.  Sometimes 
tliey  would  take  three  or  four  Crow  scalps ;  in  return, 
our  party  would  retaliate  by  taking  as  many  of  theirs. 
Thus  they  went  on,  with  varying  fortune,  during  the 
whole  twenty  days. 

I  had  never  been  engaged  in  these  skirmishes  ;  but 
one  evening,  I,  with  three  others,  among  whom  was  Yel- 
low Belly,  resolved  to  go  on  an  adventure.  Accord- 
ingly, we  started  for  the  Cheyenne,  arriving  there  the 
next  morning,  and  unhesitatingly  entered  their  village 
while  the  inmates  were  quietly  reposing.  After  ]j  ss- 
ing  through  one  quarter  of  their  village,  we  saw  an  In- 
dian approaching,  who,  on  perceiving  us,  wheeled  his 
horse  to  escape.  I  shot  an  arrow  into  his  back,  but, 
before  he  fell,  I  rode  up,  cut  him  down  with  my  bat- 
tle-axe, and  rode  on.  One  of  our  party,  not  wishing 
to  lose  his  scalp,  dismounted  to  take  it.  In  doing  so 
he  lost  his  horse,  which  followed  us,  leaving  his  rider 
on  foot  close  to  the  enemy's  village,  whence  the  aroused 
warriors  were  issuing  like  hornets.  Perceiving  his 
danger,  I  rode  back,  and  took  him  up  behind  me.  We 
had  to  run  for  it ;  but  we  made  good  our  escape,  driv- 
ing home  before  us  seven  horses  captured  from  the  en- 
emy. This  was  considered  a  great  achievement  by 
our  Crow  brethren,  and  they  again  washed  their  faces. 

The  enemy  now  charged  on  our  village,  killing  six 


JAMES  r.  iiE(;K»V(ii  mil. 


207 


;es. 
six 


Crows,  among  whom  wa^  a  brotlicr-in-law  of  mine. 
His  relatives  appealed  to  me  to  avenge  them.  Sup- 
posing that  the  enemy  would  renew  the  attack  the 
next  day,  I  selected  one  hundred  and  thirty  warriors, 
all  well  mounted,  to  waylay  them.  \Vc  posted  our- 
selves midway  between  the  belligerent  villages,  but 
the  Cheyennes  had  passed  within  a  few  hundred  yards 
before  we  were  in  ambush.  ]3eing  there,  the  idea  oc- 
curred to  me  to  await  their  return.  On  their  repulso 
from  the  village  we  would  spring  im  and  cut  off  their 
retreat,  and,  I  made  no  doubt,  succeed  in  killing  a 
great  number  of  their  warriors. 

It  fell  out  as  I  had  expected.  The  Crows  drove 
them  back  with  a  loss  to  the  enemy  of  four ;  and  when 
they  neared  us,  their  horses  were  badly  jaded,  and  our 
friends  hotly  in  pursuit.  AVe  sprung  up,  cutting  off 
their  retreat,  and  they,  sorely  pressed  in  their  rear, 
seeing  our  party  in  front  cutting  down  right  and  left, 
became  panic-struck,  and  fled  in  all  directions. 

We  took  sixteen  scalps,  with  the  horses  and  equip- 
ments of  the  fallen  warriors,  and  returned  home  in  tri- 
umph. This  made  twenty  scalps  taken  in  one  day, 
which  was  considered  by  the  Crows  a  glorious  victory, 
and  the  scalp-dance  was  performed  with  unusual  vi- 
vacity. In  this  battle  the  heroine  was  by  my  side, 
and  fought  with  her  accustomed  audacity.  I  counted 
iive  cooSy  and  she  three,  for  three  enemies  killed  with 
lier  lance.  The  Cheyennes,  disconcerted  with  their 
misadventure,  moved  their  village  away  from  the  Crow 
territory. 

We  also  took  up  our  line  of  march,  and  moved  on 
1o  Clarke's  Fork,  a  branch  of  the  Yellow  Stone,  where 
we  found  abundance  of  buffalo  and  good  grass.  While 
encamped  here  I  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  M'Kenzie, 


•ins 


Al   romoCKAI'IIY    UK 


^vrilton  at  l"'orl  Unioji,  at  llio  montli  of  \\\o  Yellow 
Stone,  A\  here  lie  desired  me  to  see  liiiii.  it  was  deliv- 
ered io  iiie  bv  .Mr.  W inters,  who,  in  eonipany  with  one 
man,  liad  i'ound  his  way  unharmed.  iM'Kenzie  uished 
mo  to  see  him  immedial(dy  on  l)nsin(\sH  of  imjiorlanee, 
as  ]u\  wished,  throngli  my  inlhicnec,  to  establish  i\  trade 
with  the  Crows. 

( >n  eomnmnicatinn;  my  intention  ol' ]H'rrormintjj  th<> 
ionrnt>y,  all  exjioslnlated  at  my  goinj;;.  I  L;aN'('  them 
my  jx^silive  word  th.it  I  wonld  vetnrn  in  eiiL:;hleen  snns. 
it' not  killed  on  the  Avay.  It,  was  a  long  and  liazard- 
ons  ji)nrney  to  nndertake,  Jiaving  to  traverse  a  distanee 
oi'  seven  hundred  and  sixty  miles,  (>x])osed  to  nnmer- 
ous  bands  of  hostile  Inilians.  I  sneeeeded  in  reaeh- 
inu"  the  tort  in  sal'etv,  where  I  I'onnd  M-Ken/ie  with  a 
li'reat  stock  of  mise(>llaneous  goods.  1  arrived  lato  in 
the  at'ternoon,  dispateluul  my  bnsiness  with  him  hasti- 
ly, and  started  on  my  retnrn  in  tJic  morninp;.  1  took 
ten  jiaek-horses  laden  with  goods  to  trade  with  the  In- 
dians, in  addition  to  which  several  boats  were  freiaht- 
vd  and  sent  to  me  up  the  Yellow  V^tone.  '^^IVo  men 
accor.panied  me  to  the  Crow  country.  AVe  had  no 
trouble  on  our  way  until  we  arrived  within  a  few  miles 
of  our  village  (as  I  supposed  it),  when,  as  we  were 
marchina:  on,  i  reniarked  somethinir  unfamiliar  in  the 
ajipearanee  of  the  place.  I  ordered  the  two  men  to 
turn  their  animals  uj)  a  little  valley  close  by,  while  1 
took  a  nearer  look  at  the  village.  A  closer  inspection 
eoniirmed  my  mistake  ;  I  saw  the  lodges  were  painted 
a  ditierent  color  from  our  own.  I  followed  the  pack- 
horses,  and.  found  a  trail  which  led  to  the  Crow  villaao, 
and  concealed  from  the  observation  of  the  village  aao 
had  approached.  Soon  after  entering  the  trail,  I  dis- 
covered the  fresh  tracks  of  iive  Indians,  going  the  di- 


.jAf.ji:s  I'.  ni;('K\v-M  KTii. 


2iV.> 


ht- 


10 

1o 

1 

11)11 

:k- 

go. 


reel  ion  tljal  wo.  wcrt!.  i  lialtcd  llio,  pack-IiorMCH^  tuul 
lodo  on  to  ^(;t  ji  Hi<;lit  of  tlicni.  At  a  sliort  (lisljincc.  I 
perccivcil  tlic  live  nuni,  and,  unobserved  hy  them,  I 
rode  on  and  entered  a  low  j)lane  until  I  approaelied 
within  a  few  rods  of  tlieni.  I  took  a  short  survev  of 
tlieni,  and  coneluded  that  they  must  be  cnenTKis  be- 
longing to  the  village  we  had  just  left.  T'-ey  were  on 
tool,  and  1  eoneeived  myself  a  mateh  f"r  llie  whole  five. 
I  leveled  my  rille,  and  was  taking  aim,  wlien  my  horse 
moved  his  head  and  diseoncerte'l  my  sight.  1  tried 
again,  with  ])reeisely  the  same  result.  I  then  dis- 
mounted, and  advanced  two  or  three  steps  nearer  my 
object.  As  I  was  about  to  fire,  having  the  rein  on  my 
arm,  the  horse  made  another  motion,  thus  spoiling  my 
aim  for  tlie  third  time.  At  that  moment  one  of  them 
made  a  yawning  expression  in  the  Crow  language,  and 
1  was  so  terrified  at  his  narrow  cscap(;  that  the  ritlc 
dropped  from  my  hand.  I  called  to  them,  telling  them 
the  danger  they  had  escaped. 

"  Why,"  said  they,  *'you  would  not  have  attacked 
tivc  of  us  V" 

"Yes," I  said,  "and  would  have  killed  every  one 
of  you,  had  you  been  enemies." 

They  then  informed  me  that  they  had  lost  two  men 
that  day  near  the  village  of  the  Black  Feet,  who  were 
now,  beyond  doubt,  dancing  over  their  scalps.  1  did 
not  wait  to  hear  more,  but  directed  them  to  return  to 
my  horses  and  assist  the  men  in  getting  on  to  the 
Crow  village  as  soon  as  possible.  I  rode  forward  to 
make  my  arrival  known. 

My  return  was  welcomed  with  the  liveli3st  demon- 
strations of  joy  by  the  whole  tribe.  But  I  delayed  no 
time  in  ceremonial.  I  called  a  council  forthwith,  and 
informed  them  that  the  Black  Feet  vv'ere  encamped  ten 


210 


AlITOIUOflRAIMIY    OP 


niik;s  distant,  that  two  ot  our  warriors  had  that  day 
I'alieii  by  tlicir  liaiuls,  and  that  wc  must  go  and  avenge 
their  death.  The  chief  assented  ;  but,  as  a  prelimin- 
ary, directed  me  and  another  to  count  their  lodges  thai 
niglit.  I  undertook  tiie  dangerous  task,  although  ex- 
tremely fatigued  with  my  long  journey.  Wc  succeed- 
ed in  the  object  of  our  expedition,  and  found  tlieir 
lodges  outnumbered  ours  by  one.  There  arc,  as  a  gcn- 
<ial  thing,  from  four  to  six  warriors  to  a  lodge;  tlie 
Black  I'oot  village  comprised  two  hundred  and  thirty- 
three  lodges ;  hence  wc  could  form  a  pretty  acciu'at(^ 
estimate  of  the  number  of  warriors  we  had  to  contend 
with. 

Their  village  was  closely  watched  by  our  spies ; 
every  movement  made  by  the  enemy  was  promptly 
reported  to  our  chief.  During  the  niglit  they  appear- 
ed to  sleep  soundly,  probably  fatigued  witli  a  late 
dance.  ]5ut  in  the  morning  they  were  astir  betimes, 
and  having  packed  up,  started  forward  in  our  direc- 
tion, apparently  una .  arc  of  our  presence.  On  they 
came  —  men,  women,  and  children  ^ — utterly  uncon- 
scious of  the  terrible  shock  that  aAvaited  them.  Our 
warriors  were  never  better  prepared  for  a  conflict,  and 
never  more  certain  of  victory.  We  were  drawn  up  on 
a  high  table  prairie,  our  whole  force  concealed  from 
view  at  no  greater  distance  than  half  pistol-shot. 

Their  cliicf  led  the  van,  and  with  him  were  several 
young  squaws,  who  were  laughing  and  dancing  around 
him,  evidently  to  his  great  amusement.  They  were 
near  enougli  to  launch  the  thunders  of  war  upon  them, 
and  our  chief  gave  orders  to  charge.  The  order  was 
instantly  carried  into  effect.  The  chief  who,  a  mo- 
ment before,  was  so  joyous,  surrounded  by  his  tawny 
young  squaws,  was  the  first  to  fall  beneath  my  battle- 


JAMKS    P.   FU'/'KWOrRTjr. 


211 


;ixc,  and  his  attciulantH  scattered  like  eliatl' l)ctovo  the 
wind.  We  were  upon  the  warrior.s  so  unexpectedly 
that  they  hat!  hardly  time  to  draw  their  weapons  be- 
tbre  tliey  were  overthrown  and  put  to  flight.  'I'hcy 
were  encumbered  with  women,  ■children,  and  baggage. 
( )ur  attention  was  directed  solely  to  the  men ;  the  wom- 
en were  unharmed,  except  those  who  were  overturned 
bv  our  horses. 

During  the  engagement,  a  powerful  Black  I'oot 
aimed  a  blow  at  nic  with  his  battle-axe,  which  i*ino 
Leaf  deprived  of  its  elfect  by  piercing  his  body  through 
with  Iier  lance.  In  a  few  moments  the  fighting  was 
over,  and  after  pursuing  the  flying  enemy  through  the 
timber,  we  returned  to  collect  the  spoils  of  victory. 
We  took  one  hundred  and  seventy  scalps,  over  one 
hundred  and  fifty  women  and  children,  besides  abund- 
ance of  weapons,  baggage,  and  horses.  The  Crows 
liad  twenty-nine  wounded. 

Thi«  was  a  severe  blow  to  the  Black  Feet;  such  a 
.slaughter  is  of  rare  occurrence  in  Indian  warfare.  Not- 
witlistanding  this  sad  defeat,  they  rallied  their  broken 
ijand,  and  attacked  us  again  in  the  afternoon ;  but  it 
amounted  to  nothing,  and  they  fled  in  gloomy  confusion 
beyond  the  Crow  territory. 

Pine  Leaf  never  signalized  herself  more  than  on  this 
occasion.  She  counted  six  coos.^  having  killed  four  of 
the  enemy  with  her  own  hand.  She  had  but  ^vay  su- 
periors in  wielding  the  battle-axe.  ]\Iy  horse  was  kill- 
ed by  the  blow  which  was  aimed  at  my  head  by  the 
Indian  whom  the  heroine  killed.  I  •wore  a  superb 
head-dress,  ornamented  with  eagles'  feathers  and  wea- 
sels' tails — the  labor  of  many  days.  Early  in  the  ac- 
tion, three  of  these  tails  were  severed  by  a  bullet  which 
grazed  my  head.     "These  Black  Feet  shoot  close," 


•il2 


AUTOBIOGIiAPHV   OF 


.said  the  heroine,  as  she  saw  the  ornaments  fall;  "but 
never  fear;   the  Great  Spirit  will  not  let  them  harm 


us. 


?» 


I  took  a  very  pretty  young  woman  prisoner,  but  was 
obliged  to  give  her  up  to  one  of  the  braves,  who  had 
my  promise  before  the  battle  that  if  I  took  one  I  would 
give  her  to  him,  and  if  he  took  one  he  should  give  her 
to  me.  When  a  warrior  (of  the  Crow  tribe)  takes  a 
woman  prisoner,  she  is  considered  his  sister,  and  he 
(!an  never  marry  her.  If  she  marries,  her  husband  is 
brother-in-law  to  her  captor.  Our  prisoners  soon  for- 
got their  captivity ;  they  even  seemed  pleased  with  the 
change,  for  they  joined  with  great  alacrity  in  our  scalp- 
dance  over  the  scalps  of  their  own  people. 

All  Indian  women  are  considered  by  the  stronger 
sex  as  menials  :  they  are  thoroughly  reconciled  to  their 
degradation,  and  the  superiority  of  their  "lords  and 
masters"  is  their  chiefest  subject  of  boast.  They  are 
patient,  plodding,  and  unambitious,  although  there  are 
instances  in  savage  life  of  a  woman  manifesting  supe- 
rior talent,  and  making  her  influence  felt  upon  the  com- 
munity. 

During  my  visit  at  Fort  Union  I  er raged  to  build 
a  fort  for  ]\I'Kenzie  to  .tore  his  goods  in  safety  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Big  Horn  River,  one  of  the  branches  of 
the  Yellow  Stone.  Accordingly,  I  repaired  to  the  place 
to  select  a  good  site  and  commence  operations.  On 
arriving  at  the  spot,  I  found  the  boats  close  by,  but  as 
there  was  no  secure  quay  at  the  junction  of  the  streams, 
I  selected  a  site  about  a  mile  below.  There  were  fifty 
men,  who  had  arrived  with  the  boats,  hired  to  assist 
me  in  erecting  the  fort.  The  stipulated  dimensions 
were  one  hundred  and  twenty  yards  for  each  front,  the 
builduig  to  be  a  solid  square,  with  a  block-house  at 


opp 

eigh 
we 
the 
aboi 


JAMES   P.   BECKWOURTll. 


213 


opposite  corners.  The  fort  was  erected  of  hewn  logs 
plnnled  perpendicularly  in  the  ground  ;  the  walls  were 
eighteen  feet  high.  As  soon  as  the  pickets  were  up, 
we  built  our  houses  inside,  in  order  to  be  prepared  for 
the  approach  of  winter.  When  i  had  been  engaged 
about  six  weeks  upon  its  construction,  four  hundred 
lodges  of  Crows  moved  into  our  immediate  vicinity, 
thus  affording  us  plenty  of  company,  and  a  sufficient 
force  to  protect  us  against  the  attacks  of  hostile  tribes. 

When  we  had  completed  our  building  we  unloaded 
the  boats,  and  commenced  trading  with  the  Indians. 
During  the  first  year  the  company  was  very  unsuc- 
cessful, sinking  over  seventeen  thousand  dollars  in  the 
undertaking.  This,  however,  was  principally  attrib- 
utable to  the  outlay  upon  the  fort  (the  wages  of  the 
fifty  men  engaged  in  constructing  it  ran  for  twelve 
months),  and  to  the  number  of  presents  whicii  it  is 
customary,  on  such  occasions,  to  distribute  ranong  the 
Indians. 

After  the  Crows  had  removed  to  the  fort,  they  were 
repeatedly  annoyed  with  attacks  from  different  hostile 
tribes.  I  was  engaged  in  two  small  encounters  during 
the  winter,  in  both  of  which  we  were  completely  vic- 
torious. The  Crows  were  fully  occupied  in  protecting 
their  own  horses,  or  levying  contributions  upon  their 
neiglibors. 

During  the  winter  we  accumulated  a  large  amount 
of  peltry,  which  in  the  spring  I  sent  down  to  Fort 
Union  in  five  Mackinaw  boats,  built  by  ourselves  for 
the  purpose.  I  sent  a  sufficient  number  of  men  to 
take  good  care  of  the  boats,  and  to  return  up  stream 
with  a  fresh  supply  of  goods.  I  then  left  the  fort  in 
charge  of  Winters,  leaving  him  thirty  men  for  a  guard. 
T  also  had  provided  an  ample  stock  of  dried  meat,  so 


214 


AUTOniOGRAPHY   OP 


that  they  might  avoid  tlie  risk  of  hunting  for  provis- 


ions. 


Early  in  May  we  commenced  our  march  in  searcli 
of  summer  quarters.  We  traveled  by  easy  stages,  and 
on  a  circuitous  route,  so  that  when  we  finally  arrived 
at  liosebud  Creek,  a  branch  of  the  Yellow  Stone,  we 
found  ourselves  but  twenty  miles  distant  from  the  fori. 

After  we  had  remained  aboit  a  week  at  our  encamj)- 
ment,  our  village  was  invested  by  a  large  war-party  of 
Black  Feet.  It  happened  very  fortunately  we  were; 
building  a  medicine  lodge  at  the  time,  and  our  whole 
force  was  at  home,  which  circumstance  most  probably 
preserved  us  from  a  disastrous  defeat.  Our  enemic.5 
numbered  about  four  thousand  warriors,  to  oppose 
whom  wc  had  two  thousand  eight  hundred  practiced 
warriors,  besides  the  old  men,  who  always  acted  as  vil- 
lage guards.  At  daybreak  the  enemy  advanced  upon 
our  village  with  great  impetuosity.  Our  war-horses 
being  tied  to  our  lodge  doors,  the  first  alarm  found  our 
defenders  ready  mounted  to  meet  the  assailants.  "VVc 
did  not  allow  them  to  enter  the  village,  but  advanced 
on  to  the  plain  to  meet  them.  The  contest  was  severe 
for  several  minutes,  and  the  clash  of  battle-axes  and 
the  fierce  yells  of  the  opposing  forces  made  the  whole 
prairie  tremble.  The  two  parties  charged  alternately, 
according  to  the  Indian  mode  of  warfare ;  but  the 
Crows  gained  ground  at  every  attack,,  for  they  fouglit 
with  every  thing  at  stake.  The  fight  lasted  for  sever- 
al hours.  Early  in  the  action  we  discovered  a  ma- 
noeuvre of  the  enemy  which  would  probably  have  re- 
sulted seriously  for  us  had  we  not  perceived  it  in  time. 
About  half  their  force  was  detached  to  attack  us  in  the 
rear,  and  take  possession  of  the  village.  I  formed  from 
fifteen  to  eighteen  hundred  warriors  into  a  body,  and 


JAMES    P.    BECKWOURTII. 


215 


)Ugllt 

sever- 
ma- 

re  re- 

I  time. 

in  tlic 
from 

r,  and 


rode  down  to  meet  their  detachment  as  it  wound  around 
the  foot  of  a  small  Iiill.  They  were  in  quick  march  to 
jrain  tlieir  position,  and  approached  in  seeming  security, 
^ly  warriors  hcirg  formed  upon  the  brow  of  a  hill  un- 
der which  the  ci  emy  was  passing,  I  gave  the  order  for 
a  rush  down  the  hill  upon  t' ^m.  The  attack  was 
made  with  such  irresistible  force  that  every  thing  in 
our  way  was  overthrown,  and  warriors  and  horses  were 
knocked  into  promiscuous  piles.  AVc  happened  to 
burst  upon  their  centre,  thus  severing  them  in  two,  and 
the  confusion  they  became  liivolved  in  was  so  irreme- 
diable that  tlieir  only  hope  was  to  get  back  to  their  m^Mi 
body  with  as  little  delay  as  possible. 

In  the  attack,  a  lance  thrown  by  a  Black  Foot  per- 
forated my  leggin,  just  grazing  the  calf  of  my  leg, 
;mu  entered  the  body  of  my  horse,  killing  him  on  the 
Hpot.  j\Iy  ever-present  friend,  Pine  Leaf,  instantly 
withdrew  it,  releasing  me  from  a  very  precarious  situ- 
ation, as  I  was  pinned  close  to  the  horse,  and  his  dy- 
ing struggles  rendered  such  proximity  extremely  un- 
safe. I  sprang  upon  the  horse  of  a  young  warrior  who 
was  wounded,  and  called  to  some  of  our  women  to  con- 
vey the  wounded  man  to  a  place  of  safety ;  the  hero- 
ine then  joined  me,  and  we  dashed  into  the  conflict, 
ller  horse  was  immediately  after  killed,  and  I  discov- 
ered her  in  a  hand-to-hand  encounter  with  a  dismount- 
ed Black  I'oot,  her  lance  in  one  hand  and  her  battle- 
iixe  in  the  other.  Three  or  four  springs  of  my  steed 
brought  me  upon  her  antagonist,  and,  striking  him  with 
the  br^;ast  of  my  horse  when  at  full  speed,  I  knocked 
him  to  the  earth  senseless,  and  before  he  could  recover, 
.'he  pinned  him  to  the  ground  with  her  lance  and  scalp- 
ed him.  When  I  had  overturned  the  warrior,  Pine 
Leaf  called  to  me,  "  Ride  on ;  I  have  liim  safe  now." 


216 


AUTOBlOGliAPHY   01' 


I  rode  on  accordingly,  but  she  was  soon  mounted 
again  and  dt  my  side.  The  surviving  Black  Feet 
speedily  dispersed,  and  i}iey  all  retreated  together, 
leaving  the  Crows  mr.ster  of  the  iield.  They  left  be- 
hind ninety-one  killed,  besides  carrying  off  many  dead 
with  their  wounded.  We  lost  thirty-one  killed,  and 
a  large  number  wounded.  I  had  live  horses  killed 
under  me,  but  received  no  wound.  Our  enemies,  in 
their  retreat,  drove  c  fF  sixteen  hundred  horses,  among 
which  were  cightv  of  my  own,  but  we  had  plenty  left, 
and  we  considered  these  only  lent  to  them.  We  had 
no  dance,  and  the  reladves  of  the  slain  \vcnt  through 
their  usual  mourning. 

A  few  days  after  this  battle  a  messenger  arrived 
from  the  fort  with  a  request  for  me  to  return  as  quick- 
ly as  possible,  as  the  Black  Feet  were  continually 
harassing  the  men,  and  they  were  in  fear  of  a  general 
attack.  Accordingly,  I  returned  .n  the  latter  part  of 
June,  and  found  affairs  in  a  very  serious  condition. 
The  Indians  had  grown  very  bold,  and  it  was  hazard- 
ous to  venture  outside  the  fort. 

One  morning  seven  men  were  sent  about  one  mile 
away  to  cut  house-logs,  it  being  supposed  there  were 
no  Indians  in  the  vicinity.  Some  time  in  the  fore- 
noon I  heard  the  report  of  a  rifle  close  to  our  gate.  I 
ran  out,  and  just  caught  sight  of  the  retreating  In- 
dians as  they  entered  the  bushes.  They  had  shot  and 
scalped  one  of  our  men  as  he  was  chopping  only  a  few 
paces  from  the  gate.  The  danger  that  the  other  men 
might  be  placed  in  then  occurred  to  me,  and,  ordering 
the  men  to  follow  me,  I  mounted  my  horse  and  hast- 
ened to  their  rescue.  I  was  followed  by  about  one 
half  the  men,  the  remainder  preferring  the  protection 
of  the  wooden  walls.     T  soon  discovered  our  men : 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOUKTII. 


217 


they  were  surrounded  by  forty  Indians,  the  chief  of 
whom  appeared  to  by  addressing  the  sun,  and  was  ges- 
ticulating witli  his  battle-axe.  On  his  r^^sing  his  arm, 
I  sent  a  ball  through  his  body,  and  then  shouted  to 
the  men  to  run  to  me.  They  started,  but  one  of  them 
was  shot  down  before  they  reached  me.  The  surviv- 
ors were  so  terrified  that  they  did  not  dare  to  stop 
when  they  reached  me,  but  continued  their  course  un- 
slackened  until  they  gained  the  fort.  My  followers, 
seeing  their  alarm,  became  fugitives  in  turn,  and  I  was 
left  alone  within  gunshot  of  tiie  remaining  thirty-nine 
Indians.  Uttering  deafening  yells,  they  made  a  rush 
for  me ;  my  horse  became  f  i  ightened,  and  I  could  scarce- 
ly mount  him.  However,  by  running  by  his  side  a  few 
paces,  I  managed  to  leap  on  his  back,  and  retreated  at 
full  speed,  while  thei/  bullets  and  arrows  flew  around 
rae  like  hail.  When  I  approached  the  fort,  a  voice 
near  mc  cried,  "  Oh,  Jim !  don't  leave  me  here  to  be 
killed." 

I  wheeled  round,  and,  with  my  double-barreled  gun 
in  my  hand,  made  a  charge  toward  the  whole  approach- 
ing party,  who,  seeing  my  resolute  bearing,  turned  and 
scampered  off.  I  rode  up  to  the  person  who  had  call- 
ed me,  and  found  him  an  old  man,  who  was  unable  to 
run,  and  had  been  abandoned  by  his  valorous  com- 
panions to  the  mercy  of  the  savages.  I  assisted  him 
on  to  my  horse,  and  was  about  to  spring  on  behind 
him,  when  the  horse  sprang  forward,  leaving  the  old 
man's  gun  behind,  and  carried  him  safely  to  the  fort. 
By  this  time  the  Indians  had  returned  upon  me.  I 
ran  wherever  a  shelter  offered  itself;  and,  when  close- 
ly pressed,  would  face  round  and  menace  them  with 
my  guns.  Within  a  few  hundred  yards  of  the  fort  I 
came  to  a  small  covering  which  had  been  used  as  a 

K 


218 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


shelter  by  the  horse-guards,  and  I  sprang  into  it,  witii 
the  Indians  at  my  heels.  After  expending  the  con- 
tents of  my  guns,  I  plied  them  with  arrows  to  their 
hearts'  content,  until  they  gave  up  the  fray  and  re- 
tired. This  took  place  in  fair  view  of  the  fort,  when 
not  one  of  its  doughty  inmates  dare  come  to  my  as- 
sistance, and  who  even  refused  to  resign  their  iire-arms 
to  tlie  women,  who  were  anxious  to  come  to  my  rescue. 

When  at  length  I  succeeded  in  reaching  the  fort,  I 
favored  the  men  with  my  unreserved  opinion  of  them. 
1  had  been  the  means  of  saving  their  lives  even  after 
the  chief  of  the  savages  had  returned  thanks  to  the 
sun  for  their  scalps,  which  he  had  already  deemed  se- 
cure. I  really  believe  that  with  Pine  Leaf  and  three 
other  squaws  I  could  have  stormed  and  taken  the  fort 
from  their  possession. 

These  men  were  not  mountaineers ;  they  were  near- 
ly all  Canadians,  and  had  been  hired  in  the  East ;  they 
were  unused  to  savage  warfare,  and  only  two  of  them 
had  seen  an  Indian  battle.  If  they  had  come  out  like 
men,  we  might  have  killed  one  half  the  Indians,  and 
I  should  have  been  spared  a  great  deal  of  hard  feeling. 
They  acknowledged,  however,  that  I  had  flogged  the 
Indians  alone,  and  that  six  of  them  were  indebted  to 
me  for  their  lives. 

In  July,  after  the  arrival  of  the  boats,  the  Crows 
again  returned  to  the  fort.  They  came  to  make  pur- 
chases with  what  small  means  they  possessed,  as  they 
had  disposed  of  all  their  peltry  on  their  previous  visit. 
They,  however,  brought  in  a  great  quantity  of  roots, 
cherries,  berries,  etc.,  which  they  traded  for  articles  of 
necessity ;  they  also  sold  sixty  horses,  which  we  sent 
to  M'Kenzie  at  the  lower  fort  (Clarke). 

It  greatly  charms  the  Indians  to  see  new  goods : 


pers 
with 


JAMKS  i'.   DKUKWOCRTU.  21t> 

When  they  have  the  means  to  buy  there  is  no  e.ul  to 
thcr  purchases.     W],en  the  ianees,  battle-^xes   !n 
guns  are  spread  before  their  eyes,  gli  terin'So" 
burnished  steel,  notwithstanding  tlier  mZ  t 
dozen  servieeaUe  weapons  at  hole,Zy  "-st      ^h" 
biy  purehase  a  new  one.     If  one  purehLs   al  t"  t" 
oUow;  henee  there  is  no  limit  to  their  demand  b 
he  very  .mportant  one  imposed  by  the  exten   of  their 
excliangeable  commodities. 

ans^tl/'sIrlnT"  •'^  \T  "'^'''^  ^'"""^  -">  Canadi- 

ans,  an  strangers  m  the  country    noirlv  nil  h     • 

beenimp^^^^^^^^ 

n>.t  to  the  hardslnps  of  such  a  life  for  a  smaller  re- 
muneration than  men  hired  in  the  States.     On    he l 

he  Indians,  and  what  feats  I  had  performed  again" 
hem  smgle-handed.     They  listened'to  the  marfdou 
tales^and  gazed  at  me  in  wondering  admiration. 

When  Canadians  are  fairly  broken  in,  and  have 
become  famihar  with  Indian  character,  the;  make  the 
best  of  Indian  fighters,  especially  when  put  to  it  de 
ense  of  their  own  lives.     They  become  superior  "rap- 
P   s  too,  bemg  constituted,  like  their  native  ponies 
w  th  a  capacity  to  endure  the  extreraest  hardshipsTnd 


220 


AUTOBIOGKAPHY   OF 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Departure  from  Fort  Cass. — Capture  of  Squaws. — Battle  with  the  Black 
Feet ;  with  the  Cheycnnes. — Great  Success  of  the  Crows  in  stealinir 
Horses. — A  successful  Fall  for  Beaver. — Return  to  the  Fort  with 
Peltry. 

iVjTER  having  arranged  every  thing  in  the  fort 
(which  I  have  forgotten  to  mention  we  named  after 
j\Ir.  Cass),  and  given  all  needful  instructions  to  Win- 
ters, who  was  in  charge,  I  again  left.  My  inten- 
tion was  to  induce  the  Crows  to  devote  their  undi- 
vided attention  to  trapping,  not  alone  for  their  own 
henefit,  but  for  the  interest  of  the  company  in  whose 
service  I  was  engaged.  I  well  knew  that  if  I  was  with 
them  they  would  capture  five  beavers  to  one  if  left  to 
themselves.  I  had  obtained  great  influence  in  the 
medicine  lodge,  and  could  often  exert  it  to  prevent  a 
war-party  from  making  a  useless  excursion  against 
their  enemies.  I  would  tell  them  in  their  council  that 
my  medicine  told  me  not  to  go  to  war ;  that  it  was  to 
their  interest  to  employ  their  warriors  in  trapping  all 
the  beavers  possible,  so  that  they  might  have  the 
means  of  purchasing  ammunition  and  weapons  for 
themselves,  as  well  as  beads,  scarlet  cloth,  and  blan- 
kets for  the  women ;  that  by-and-by  we  should  be  at- 
tacked by  the  enemy,  and  be  unprovided  with  the 
means  of  defense ;  that  they  would  then  kill  all  our 
warriors,  and  make  captives  of  our  women  and  chil- 
dren, as  the  Cheyennes  had  captured  my  mother  when 
I  was  an  infant,  many  winters  gone ;  that  they  should 
save  all  their  warriors  against  a  time  of  need,  and  only 


JAMES    r.  UECKWOrJtTIl. 


22] 


engage  in  war  when  tlic  safety  of  their  village  was  at 
stake. 

These  representations  would  frequently  dissuade 
them  from  their  belligerent  purpose,  and  heaver-skins 
would  be  brought  into  the  village  by  the  pack ;  but 
they  would  soon  tire  of  their  pacific  occupation,  an<l 
their  enemies'  horses  would  offer  them  temptations 
which  they  could  not  resist. 

Nearly  all  the  Crows  having  left  the  fort  before  I 
did,  only  a  few  warriors  remained  to  bear  me  company. 
[  engaged  to  meet  them  at  the  mouth  of  the  Little 
Horn  within  a  given  number  of  nights,  and  I  knew  I 
should  be  expected.  We  arrived  in  safety  at  the  place 
appointed,  and  within  the  time  I  had  specified. 

Soon  after  our  arrival,  it  was  proposed  to  send  out 
a  war-party,  not  so  much  to  fight  as  to  reconnoitre ;  to 
see  where  horses  could  with  least  difficulty  be  pro- 
cured, and  gain  a  general  intelligence  of  how  matters 
stood.  We  set  out,  and  had  traveled  slowly  along  for 
nearly  two  weeks,  when  our  scouts  returned  to  apprise 
us  that  there  was  a  large  crowd  of  women  approaching 
toward  us.  We  were  then  in  a  forest  of  plum-trees, 
bearing  large  red  plums,  which  were  fully  ripe,  and  were 
very  delicious.  Feeling  satisfied  that  the  women  were 
coming  to  gather  fruit,  we  secreted  ourselves,  intend- 
ing, at  a  given  signal,  to  surround  them  while  they 
were  busily  employed.  Accordingly,  we  waited  until 
they  all  set  themselvt  about  their  task,  they  keep- 
ing up  an  incessant  jabber  among  themselves  like  so 
many  blackbirds  or  bob-o-links,  and  having  no  sus- 
picion that  the  Crows  would  so  soon  come  in  for  their 
share.  At  a  sound  from  the  whistle,  they  were  entire- 
ly surrounded,  and  their  merry  chatter  was  hushed  in 
an  instant.     We  marched  them  to  an  open  piece  of 


222 


AIITOBIOGUAPHY    OF 


ground,  made  them  form  a  line,  and  proceeded  to  make 
a  .selection.  TIk'  aged,  the  ill-l'avorcd,  and  the  matrons 
we  withdrew  from  the  bodj,  telling  them  to  return  to 
the  village,  and  depart  without  clamor.  They  went 
away  in  suUennesSj  with  their  eyes  flashing  lire.  The 
remainder,  to  the  number  of  fifty-nine,  very  attractive 
looking  young  women,  we  carried  along  with  us ;  and 
as  we  were  but  three  miles  distant  from  their  village, 
and  could  plainly  sec  the  smoke  of  their  lodges,  we 
deemed  it  prudent  to  lose  no  time  in  making  our  way 
home.  There  were  three  warriors  in  the  company  of 
the  women  when  first  descried,  but  they  were  not  in- 
dosed  in  our  surround,  and  we  could  find  no  traces  of 
ihem  in  any  direction. 

On  our  return  toward  home  the  captives  were,  as 
usual,  gloomy  for  an  hour  or  two;  but  they  very  quick- 
ly brightened,  and  amused  us  with  their  smiles  and 
conversation  during  the  whole  of  the  journey.  In  four 
(lays  we  reached  the  village,  and  were  received  with 
''thunders  of  applause."  Four  of  the  prisoners  were 
adjudged  my  prizes,  who,  according  to  Indian  customs, 
Ijecame  my  sisters.  For  my  services  in  this  expedi- 
tion I  was  honored  with  the  name  of  Boah-hish-a  (Red 
L^'ish).  Our  prisoners  were  kindly  received,  and  treat- 
(id  with  becoming  attention.  I  carried  my  four  sisters 
to  my  lodge,  and  distributed  them  among  my  relatives. 
They  were  all  married  to  Crow  braves,  and  added  ma- 
terially to  the  strength  of  my  band  of  relatives ;  for  it 
is  esteemed  a  great  honor  to  marry  the  sister  of  a  great 
brave,  which  appellation  I  had  long  borne. 

Pine  Leaf  had  captured  two  prisoners,  and  offered  me 
one  of  them  to  wife.  I  answered,  "You  once  told  me 
I  had  already  wives  enough.  I  will  not  add  to  their 
number  until  I  marry  the  heroine  of  the  Crow  nation." 


akc 
'ons 
1  to 
rent 
The 
tivc 
and 
age, 
,  ■vve 
way 
f  of 
:  in- 
s  of 

;,  as 
lick- 
and 
four 
with 
were 
oms, 
pedi- 
;Red 
reat- 
sters 
ives. 
[  ma- 
for  it 
great 

id  me 
d  me 
their 


ion. 


75 


JAMES    I'.    HKCKWOIIRTII. 


22') 


(( 


•J 

Y. 

a 
IS 

< 

3 


H 
M 
M 

•J 


•All,  you  liavc  found  tlio  red-handed  Indian,  then," 
she  said,  hiughing  mockingly. 

►She  always  received  my  advances  with  this  unsatis- 
factory nonchalance,  that  it  was  with  some  unjjleasant- 
ness  of  feeling  I  approached  the  subject.  JJut  the  more 
I  saw  of  her  lofty  bearing,  and  witnessed  the  heroic 
deeds  that  she  performed,  the  more  ardent  became  my 
attachment  to  her.  AVhen  she  was  by  my  side  in  bat- 
tle, it  seemed  as  if  I  had  increased  strength  and  cour- 
age ;  when  she  was  away,  which  happened  rarely,  J 
felt  a  vacancy  which  no  other  warrior  could  supj)ly. 
There  was  none  bolder  than  herself,  and  she  knew  it ; 
there  were  others  of  greater  strength,  but  her  deficien- 
cy in  muscular  power  was  more  than  indemnified  by 
her  cat-like  agility,  and  she  would  kill  her  man  while 
others  where  preparing  to  attack. 

There  was  one  thing  that  irritated  the  noble  girl's 
curiosity,  and  that  was  th.  war-path  secret.  Having 
killed  many  in  battle,  having  followed  where  any  dared 
to  lead,  "  Why  am  I  debarred  from  that  important 
communication?"  she  would  ask.  "Why  am  I  sent 
oif  with  the  women  and  children,  when  that  secret  is 
told  the  warriors  of  but  one  battle  ?" 

I  would  tell  her  that  the  misfortune  of  her  sex  ren- 
dered it  impossible  that  she  could  ever  have  the  secret 
unveiled  to  her ;  that,  should  she  break  her  trust,  she 
would  feurely  pay  the  forfeit  with  her  life.  She  would 
become  angry  at  such  representations,  and  her  black 
eyes  would  glow  like  fire. 

Soon  after  this  capture,  a  band  of  Black  I  eet  made 
reprisals  by  breaking  our  inclosure  and  taking  sev- 
en hundred  horses.  I  immediately  collected  a  small 
party  and  went  in  pursuit.  We  speedily  overtook 
them,  and  recovered  all  the  horses  except  sixty,  bear- 

K2 


•2'2{) 


Al  TOBIUCJRAPHY    OF 


Ing  the  cneiiiy,  who  precipitately  fled,  leaving  two  of 
their  party  dead.  On  our  return  we  were  received  witli 
the  usual  demonstrations  of  joy,  and  the  horse-danco. 
was  performed  by  the  village,  together  with  the  scalp- 
dance,  which  lasted  nearly  all  night. 

About  this  time  my  allied  friend  raised  a  war-party, 
and  went  in  quest  of  the  enemy ;  the  heroine,  ever  act- 
ive and  prepared,  aecompai'ying  him.  I  staid  behind. 
They  returned  in  a  few  days,  bringing  eight  scalps  of 
the  Coutnees — one  of  the  bands  of  the  Black  Feet. 
They  had  lost  two  of  their  warriors,  much  to  the  annoy- 
ance of  the  heroine,  as  she  was  prevented  from  dancing, 
although  she  had  counted  two  coos.  She  then  declared 
that  she  Avould  go  to  war  no  more,  except  in  my  com- 
pany ;  but  she  had  to  break  her  word,  and  the  next 
time  she  engaged  in  tight  she  received  a  severe  wound. 
She  wished  me  to  raise  a  force  immediately,  and  go 
and  kill  an  enemy,  so  that  she  could  wash  her  face.  I 
declined,  however,  on  the  ground  that  I  was  soon  to  go 
to  the  fort,  and  that  I  would  engage  in  no  hostile  en- 
counters until  my  return. 

When  a  war  party  loses  one  of  its  members,  the  sur- 
vivors are  compelled  to  wear  tlieir  mourning-paint,  un- 
til that  same  party,  or  an  individual  member  of  it,  has 
wiped  out  the  blot  by  killing  one  of  the  enemy  with- 
out incurring  loss  of  life.  Thus  it  not  unfrequently 
happens,  when  no  opportunity  of  avenging  a  loss  oc- 
curs, that  the  mourners  wear  paint  for  months,  regu- 
larly renewing  it  as  it  wears  off. 

Small  parties  were  continually  going  out  and  return- 
ing with  varying  success.  The  grand  total  of  horses 
stolen  by  the  Crows  from  all  other  tribes  during  that 
year  amounted  to  near  oix  thousand  head.  During 
the  same  period,  however,  they  lost  a  great  number 
stolon  from  tliom. 


JAMES    P.  3ECKW0CRTH. 


227 


Iring 


I  visited  the  fort  again  in  October,  with  three  hund- 
red lodges  of  the  Indians,  the  remainder  following  us 
in  a  few  days.  A  great  number  of  the  Indians  had 
been  busy  with  their  traps  for  about  two  months,  and 
we  took  into  the  fort  a  great  quantity  of  peltry,  which 
procured  for  the  Indians  every  thing  they  needed,  be- 
sides linery  for  the  women. 

When  I  arrived,  I  was  informed  that  the  head-hunt- 
er of  the  fort  had  been  killed  during  my  absence. 

"  Now,"  said  Pine  Leaf,  "you  will  go  to  war  for  one 
of  your  jDcople,  and  I  will  go  with  you,  so  that  I  can 
wash  my  face." 

The  fort  had  been  subject  to  alarms  during  the 
whole  time  of  my  absence,  but  had  only  lost  the  man 
here  referred  to. 

As  soon  as  the  Indians  hcd  finished  their  trading,  I 
directed  them  to  move  to  the  Yellow  Stone,  as  far  up 
as  "  Pompey's  Tower,"  telling  them  that  I  would  join 
them  in  four  nights.  Then,  as  soon  as  I  could  get 
ready,  I  loaded  twelve  pack-horses  with  goods  for  re- 
tail, and,  taking  two  Canadians  with  me,  I  went  on 
and  joined  the  village  at  the  appointed  place. 

This  much  performed,  I  then  attended  to  the  fre- 
quent solicitations  of  the  heroine,  by  leading  a  party, 
and  going  in  pursuit  of  the  Black  Feet  to  chastise 
them,  as  I  told  the  Crows,  for  killing  the  white  hunter. 
We  were  absent  eleven  days,  and  returned  with  only 
four  scalps  and  seventy-four  horses.  I  received  an 
arrow  in  my  head  ;  and  there  wxre  three  other  warriors 
wounded,  but  none  killed.  The  heroine  then  washed 
her  face  of  the  mourning-paint,  which  she  had  been 
grieving  about  so  long. 

At  this  time  I  was  third  counselor  of  the  nation, 
Iiaving  been  fifth  and  fourth  previously.    In  tlio  Crow 

K2 


228 


ALTOHIOGKAPHY    ( >!' 


nation  tlicrc  arc  six  counselors,  and  by  them  the  na- 
tion is  ruled.  There  arc  also  two  head  ehiet's,  who  sit 
with  tlic  counsel  wlicncvcr  it  is  in  session.  The  olUce 
of  iirst  counselor  is  the  highest  in  the  nation,  next  to 
the  head  chiefs,  whose  authority  is  equal.  If  in  any 
of  these  divisions,  when  a  matter  is  brought  to  the 
vote,  the  suliVages  arc  equal,  one  of  the  old  pipe-men 
is  sunnnoncd  before  the  council,  and  the  subject  under 
discussion  is  stated  to  him,  with  the  substance  of  the 
arguments  advanced  on  both  sides ;  after  hearing  this 
he  gives  his  casting  vote,  and  the  question  is  tinally 
settled. 

When  war  is  declared  on  any  tribe,  it  is  done  by  the 
council.  If  any  party  goes  out  without  the  authority 
of  the  council,  they  arc  all  severely  whipped  ;  and  their 
whipping  is  no  light  matter,  as  1  can  personally  test- 
ily. It  makes  no  diflcrencc  how  high  the  offender 
ranks,  or  how  great  his  popularity  with  the  nation — 
there  is  no  favor  shown  ;  the  man  who  disobeys  orders 
is  bound  to  be  lashed,  and  if  lie  resists  or  resents  the 
punishment,  he  suifers  death. 

We  raised  a  war-party  of  three  hundred  men  to  act 
against  the  Cheyennes,  having  one  of  the  head  chiefs 
as  leader.  We  moved  on  foot  toward  their  country, 
which  was  about  two  hundred  and  iifty  miles  from  our 
village.  In  this  expedition  I  acted  in  the  capacity 
of  head  spy,  and  was  of  necessity  continually  in  ad- 
vance of  the  main  party.  Being  near  the  enemy,  ac- 
cording to  our  calculations,  I  was  some  distance  ahead, 
with  four  other  spies,  when  we  discovered  live  of  the 
Cheyenne  warriors  in  the  act  of  dressing  a  buffalo, 
which  they  had  just  killed.  We  crept  slyly  up  with- 
in gunshot  of  them,  and  each  singled  out  hi**  man  and 
fired.     Four  fell  at  the  discharge ;  the  other  mounted 


r 
* 


JAMES   P.   BECKWOURTIl. 


229 


his  horse  and  fled.  I  mounted  one  of  the  other  horses, 
.'ind  ])ursucd  liim  within  sight  of  his  viUagc,  when  I 
Avliccled  an^l  returned  to  the  camp,  well  knowing  that 
we  should  be  pursued  immediately  after  the  fugitive 
communicated  his  news.  1  found  the  camp  readily,'  and 
acquainted  tie  chief  with  what  had  happened,  although 
it  is  against  orders  for  spies  to  commence  any  attack. 
I  told  him  that  we  were  compelled  to  fight  them  to 
save  our  own  lives,  as  the  enemy  had  discovered  us. 
"  That  is  all  riglit,"  he  said,  "  but  they  will  Lc  soon 
after  us,  and  vv^e  must  retreat  as  fast  as  we  can." 

We  returned  on  our  steps  without  losing  a  moment, 
and  traveled  all  night.  It  was  very  cold,  with  consid- 
erable snow  on  the  ground.  In  the  morning  we  built 
a  fire,  and  as  soon  as  we  had  warmed  ourselves  we 
moved  on.  One  man,  who  was  lame,  lingered  by  the 
fire  after  we  had  left,  and  he  rejoined  us  in  great  alarm, 
telling  us  that  the  Cheycnnes  were  on  our  trail  in 
great  force,  and  were  but  a  short  distance  behind  us. 
We  tlien  put  our  boys  and  horses  into  a  deep  gully 
close  by,  and  also  stepped  in  ourselves,  as  soon  as  we 
had  discharged  one  volley  at  our  pursuers,  who  were 
then  within  short  gunshot  distance.  They  numbered 
from  fifteen  hundred  to  two  thousand  warriors,  all 
mounted,  while  we  were  but  a  very  few  warriors,  and 
liad  not  more  than  a  dozen  horses  in  all.  We  were  in 
a  strong  position,  however,  one  which  they  dared  not 
to  storm,  even  with  their  whole  force.  Frequently  a 
few  more  daring  cavaliers  would  advance  to  the  edge 
of  the  bank,  and  hurl  their  lances  into  our  midst ;  but 
they  rarely  escaped  our  bullets.  We  had  killed  and 
wounded  a  great  number  in  this  manner,  which  taught 
our  foe  to  be  more  cautious  in  his  approaches ;  when 
our  chief,  losing  heart,  declared  there  was  no  hope 


230 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


ibr  us,  and  that  we  infallibly  should  be  all  "rubbed 
out." 

He  addressed  his  son,  a  lad  about  sixteen  years  ot" 
age,  in  the  following  strain  :  "  My  son,  we  shall  be  all 
killed  here.  The  Cheyennes  are  very  brave,  and  ''hey 
iiave  a  eloud  of  warriors  before  us.  It  must  never  be 
said  that  my  son  was  killed  by  them,  therefore  I  must 
kill  you  myself  before  1  die.     Die,  my  son,  iirst !" 

In  an  instant  his  son  was  a  corpse,  prostrate  at  the 
i'eet  of  his  savage  father.  This,  thought  I,  is  the  first 
time  I  ever  saw  a  person  killed  to  save  his  life.  The 
actions  of  the  old  chief  were  wild  throughout  the  whole 
proceeding.  After  killing  his  son,  he  rushed  upon  the 
top  of  the  bank,  and  addressed  himself  to  the  enemy, 
an  exposed  mark  to  their  arrows,  as  follows : 

"  Ho,  Cheyennes  !  hero  I  am  I  come  and  kill  me ! 
I  am  the  great  chief  of  the  Crows.  Come  and  kill  me 
iirst,  and  then  you  can  easily  kill  my  warriors.  jMany 
of  your  braves  have  fallen  by  my  hand ;  their  scalps 
darken  my  lodge.     Come!  come  and  kill  me!" 

I  was  astonished  at  such  rashness,  and  still  more 
astonished  at  the  enemy,  who,  on  seeing  him  a  fair 
mark  for  their  bullets,  even  withdrew  to  a  greater  dis- 
tance, and  appeared  to  be  perfectly  paralyzed.  After 
a  while,  our  head  chief  descended,  and  took  a  long 
smoke  at  his  pipe.  The  enemy  retired  without  troub- 
ling us  farther.  In  the  night  we  decamped,  and  made 
all  possible  haste  to  our  village,  where  we  arrived  in 
safety  without  any  molestation  from  the  enemy.  TJic 
chief  attributed  our  escape  to  the  interposition  of  tlic 
Great  Spirit,  wlioi.i  the  sacritice  of  his  son  had  propi- 
tiated in  our  behalf. 

We  killed  fourteen  of  the  enemy  Avhile  in  our  in- 
trenchment,  making  eighteen,  and  wounded  a  great 


iiun( 

proc 

Fori 

a  C] 

vilh 

and 

we  \i 

the 

in  or 

and 

viliaj 

camp 

\vere 


JAMES   P.  13ECKW0UjRTif.  231 

number      We  had  eiglit  killed,  including  the  chief, 
son,  and  ten  or  eleven  slightly  wounded. 

When  we  arrived  at  home  there  was*  great  mourn- 
ing, and  we  all  assumed  paint  on  our  faces  as  usual 
J  ut  we  wore  it  only  a  short  time  before  we  took  am- 
Pj^revenge.    Pine  Leaf  did  not  accompany  us  on  this 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

Four  days  after  our  return,  our  chief,  still  smartinc 
•'t  the  sacrifice  he  had  made  for  the  salvation  of  his 
people,  burned  for  revenge.  He  selected  a  body  of 
over  two  hundred  warriors,  and  started  forthwith  in 
search  of  the  enemy. 

The  night  following  his  departure,  I  also  raised  two 
imndred  men,  and  started  in  a  contrary  direction.    We 
proceeded  on  until  we  came  to  Laramie  Forks,  where 
l^ort  Laramie  has  since  been  built,  and  were  in  siVht  of 
a  Cheyenne  village.     While  we  were  surveying  the 
village,  eleven  of  tlieir  men,  laden  with  meat,  came  up 
and  encamped  within  a  few  hundred  yards  of  where  ' 
we  were.     We  immediately  threw  ourselves  flat  upon 
the  ground,  resolved  to  wait  until  the  coming  of  ni-ht 
m  order  to  make  secure  work  of  our  attack  on  them' 
and  prevent  any  of  their  number  escaping  to  alarm  the 
village.     At  a  Ixte  hour  we  silently  approached  their 
camp  when  they  were  all  sound  asleep ;  a  dozen  guns 
were  discharged  at  them  in  a  moment,  and  we  rushed 


232 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OF 


in  with  our  battle-axes  to  complete  the  work.  We 
took  their  scalps,  and  were  soon  on  the  retreat,  bearing 
away  all  the  meat  we  needed,  besides  nineteen  horses, 
and  the  slain  warriors'  equipments.  We  returned  to 
the  village,  and  washed  oft'  the  mourning-paint,  mak- 
ing the  whole  village  ring  with  our  dancing  and  rejoic- 
ing. The  additional  name  of  ^\j-ra-e-dish  (the  Bloody 
Arm)  was  conferred  upon  me. 

Tiic  old  chief  came  in  three  days  subsequently, 
bringing  fourteen  scalps  and  equipments,  without  hav- 
ing lost  a  single  man. 

Many  of  my  readers  will  doubtless  wonder  how  a 
man  who  had  been  reared  in  civilized  life  could  ever 
participate  in  such  scenes  of  carnage  and  rapine.  I 
have  already  related  that  I  was  brought  up  where  sim- 
ilar outrages  were  committed  upon  the  defenseless  in- 
habitants of  the  new  settlements.  Impressed  with  the 
recollection  of  these  early  scenes,  I  hardly  ever  struck 
down  an  Indian  but  my  mind  reverted  to  the  mangled 
bodies  of  my  childish  play-fellows,  which  I  discovered 
on  my  way  to  the  mill,  barbarously  murdered  by  the 
savages.  In  after  years  I  have  experienced  the  nat- 
ural ferocity  of  the  savage,  who  thirsts  for  the  blood 
of  the  white  man  for  no  other  purpose  than  to  gratify 
the  vindictive  spirit  that  animates  him.  I  have  seen 
the  paths  of  the  trappers  dyed  with  their  blood,  drawn 
from  their  hearts  by  the  ambushed  savage,  who  never 
knew  mei  0}-,  but  remorsely  butchered  all  who  came  in 
his  way.  Such  is  Indian  nature.  When  I  fought 
with  the  Crow  nation,  I  fought  in  their  behalf  against 
the  most  relentless  enemies  of  the  white  man.  If  I 
chose  to  become  an  Indian  while  living  among  them, 
it  concerned  no  person  but  myself;  and  by  doing  so, 
I  saved  more  life  and  property  for  the  white  man  than 


JAMES   P.    BECKWOURTII. 


2:5:i 


linst 
HI 

so, 
Ithan 


a  whole  regiment  of  United  States  regulars  could  have 
done  in  the  same  time. 

Before  1  close  this  narrative,  I  shall  take  the  liberty 
to  express  my  opinions,  and  afford  those  having  con- 
trol of  the  War  Department  some  counsel  about  the 
cheapest,  most  expeditious,  and  most  certain  method 
of  quelling  their  Indian  troubles,  on  which  the  news- 
papers are  harping  so  much.  1  know  that  with  five 
hundred  men  of  my  selection  I  could  exterminate 
any  Indian  tribe  in  North  America  in  a  very  few 
months.  But  so  long  as  our  government  continues  to 
enlist  the  offscouring  of  European  cities  into  our  army, 
and  intrusts  the  command  to  inexperienced  officers 
fresh  from  West  Point,  just  so  long  will  they  afford 
food  for  the  Indians  in  and  about  the  Rocky  Mount- 
ains. Encumbered  as  our  army  is  with  baggage-wag- 
ons and  artillery,  an  Indian  chief  can  move  his  whole 
community  farther  in  one  day  than  our  soldiers  can 
follow  them  in  three. 

When  our  victorious  celebration  was  over,  I  started 
on  a  small  trading  expedition  to  the  Snake  Indians. 
I  had  received  an  invitation  from  their  chief  to  trade 
among  them,  and  I  selected  eight  warriors  to  accom- 
pany me.  On  arriving  at  their  village,  I  found  that 
the  Utahs  had  joined  them,  and  a  great  number  of 
them  were  thronging  the  village.  Knowing  that  the 
Utahs  and  Crows  were  deadly  enemies,  I  sedulously 
watched  their  movements,  and  very  speedily  felt  dis- 
trust for  the  safety  of  myself  and  party,  as  the  whole 
camp  savored  strongly  of  treachery.  I  mustered  my 
little  party  around  me,  and  found  them  without  guns. 
On  inquiring  the  cause,  they  informed  me  they  had 
traded  them  away  for  horses.  I  suppose  my  looks 
expressed  my  disapprobation.      Mistaking  me,  they 


234 


AUTOBIOGKAPHY    UF 


said  there  was  yet  one  fine  horse  left,  which  I  could 
have  at  tlie  price  of  my  gun. 

I  liad  finished  my  traffic,  and  had  disposed  of  every 
thing  except  my  gun,  when  the  Snakes  came  to  mc. 
and  offered  to  trade  for  that.  I  said,  *'  No ;  1  never 
sell  my  gun,  except  when  at  home  and  among  my  own 
people."  The  Snakes  then  told  us  to  go,  that  things 
were  bad  in  their  camp.  We  sprang  upon  our  horses, 
and  struck  out  at  full  speed ;  but  we  soon  discovered 
a  large  party  of  Indians  were  in  close  pursuit.  We 
then  found  they  had  not  sold  us  their  fastest  horses, 
as  they  gained  on  some  of  my  party,  and  shot  and 
scalped  them  without  our  ability  to  defend  them.  1 
succeeded  in  reaching  the  mountain  with  two  of  my 
men,  having  lost  six  noble  young  warriors  in  my  flight. 
I  knew  there  would  be  terrible  mourning  and  loss  of 
fingers,  until  I  could  teach  the  Snakes  a  lesson  which 
would  serve  them  to  remember  for  a  long  time. 

After  devoting  a  short  space  to  bewailing  my  mis- 
fortune, I  requested  a  council  to  be  called,  and  never 
did  I  enlarge  with  such  wrathful  vehemerkce  as  I  then 
fulminated  against  the  Snfkes,  holding  them  up  to  the 
abhorrence  of  the  fathers  for  their  treachery  in  decoy- 
ing our  unsuspecting  warriors  into  their  camp,  and  then 
letting  loose  a  pack  of  murderous  savages  at  our  heels, 
after  we  had,  ihrough  their  complicity,  parted  with  our 
only  means  of  defense.  I  demanded  five  hundred  war- 
riors to  go  and  wipe  out  the  stain,  and  inflict  summary 
chastisement  on  the  village  for  their  duplicity. 

]\Iy  argument  was  listened  to  with  the  profoundest 
attention,  and  all  I  proposed  was  readily  acceded  to. 
"Let  the  Red  Arm  have  all  that  he  asks,"  was  the 
unanimous  voice  of  the  assembly. 

My  warriors  rallied  around  me  almost  at  a  moment's 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOUIiTlI. 


23r> 


notice,  and  we  mounted  our  horses  and  sped  in  the 
direction  of  tlie  Snake  country,  on  Green  Kiver.  On 
the  eighth  day  our  scouts  came  in  and  reported  that 
tlioy  had  found  a  large  number  of  the  Snakes,  scat- 
tered in  small  parties,  who  were  engaged  in  killing  buf- 
falo. We  held  on  until  we  came  in  sight  of  them.  1 
distributed  my  warriors  as  the  occasion  suggested,  or- 
dermg  them  to  attack  the  various  small  camps,  whih^ 
I,  with  my  party,  should  attack  their  main  body.  They 
were  overthrown  and  dispersed  by  my  brave  warriors, 
with  severe  loss.  AVe  took  over  one  hundred  scalps, 
and  a  great  quantity  of  guns  and  other  warlike  imple- 
ments. We  had  sixteen  men  wounded,  including  my- 
self (I  received  two  slight  wounds  from  arrows),  but 
none  of  them  dangerously.  This  blow  brought  the 
Snakes  to  their  senses,  and  they  immediately  sent  a 
deputation  to  our  village  to  sue  for  peace. 

A  circumstance  happened  on  the  evening  preceding 
our  attack  which  caused  me  the  deepest  regret.  While 
the  spies  were  reconnoitring,  they  perceived  two  In- 
dians, as  they  supposed,  leave  the  enemy's  camp,  and 
proceed  down  the  canon.  This  circumstance  they  re- 
ported to  me.  I  ordered  them  to  return,  and  kill  them 
if  they  could  find  them.  They  went  in  pursuit  of  the 
two  stragglers,  and  when  they  came  in  sight  of  them 
they  had  their  robes  over  their  heads,  and  vcre  kneel- 
ing down  over  a  fire.  They  fired,  and  one  of  the  two 
fell  mortally  wounded;  the  other  sprang  out  of  his 
robe,  when,  to  their  surprise,  they  sjaw  he  was  a  white 
man.  They,  however,  took  him  prisoner,  and  brought 
him  to  my  camp.  I  was  absent  at  their  return  ;  but 
on  the  following  morning  I  remarked  a  very  dejected 
look  on  their  countenances,  and  I  asked  them  what 
was  the  matter. 


2:i6 


AUTOUIOGKArHY   UF 


"We  have  done  very  Lad,"  said  one;  "we  have 
reddened  our  hands  with  the  blood  of  the  white  man." 

"Well,  how  did  it  occur?"  I  inquired. 

"Ask  that  white  man,  and  he  will  tell  you  all." 

I  walked  up  to  the  unhappy  prisoner,  whose  looks 
betrayed  the  keenest  anguish,  and  addressed  him  in 
English. 

"  How  are  you,  my  friend  ?" 

He  started  as  if  electrified,  and  looked  me  closely  in 
the  face. 

"  What  brought  you  here  ?"  I  continued. 

"  I  was  brought  here  by  these  Indians,  who  killed 
my  companion  while  wc  were  building  a  fire  to  warm 
ourselves.  I  suppose  I  am  brought  here  to  be  killed 
also?" 

' '  No,  my  friend,"  I  said,  "  you  are  safe.  The  Crows 
nevc:'  kill  white  men." 

"  Are  these  Crows  ?" 

"  Yes." 

* '  Well,  well !    Then  you  must  be  Mr.  Beekwourth  ?" 

"  Yes,  that  is  my  name.  And  now,  without  the 
least  fear  of  danger,  relate  the  occurrence  fairly :  if  my 
warriors  have  killed  a  white  man  intentionally,  they 
shall  be  punished." 

He  then  related  how  he  and  his  companion  went  into 
the  canon,  and  how  they  made  a  fire  to  render  them- 
selves comfortable  away  from  the  Indian  camp ;  how 
that  their  robes  were  over  their  heads,  entirely  conceal- 
ing their  faces  from  view,  and  that  he  felt  fully  con- 
fident that  my  warriors,  in  firing  upon  them,  had  mis- 
taken them  for  Indians. 

"Well," I  said,  "since  the  mistake  is  so  apparent, 
you  will  greatly  serve  me  to  make  the  same  statement 
to  your  companions  when  you  return  to  your  camp; 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


237 


into 
liem- 

how 
Iceal- 

con- 

mis- 


for  the  Crows  are  entirely  innocent  of  any  design  to 
shed  th^j  hhod  of  the  white  man,  and  it  would  be  de- 
plorable for  any  misunderstanding  to  arise  in  conse- 
(juence  of  this  lamentable  occurrence." 

"  I  shall  make  a  fair  statement  of  the  fact,"  he  said, 
"and  should  be  very  sorry  to  be  the  means  of  any 
trouble." 

He  then  informed  me  that  he  and  his  late  compan- 
ion were  trappers  ;  that  his  party  were  in  winter-quar- 
ters, and  encamped  with  the  main  body  of  the  Hnakes  ; 
and  that  they  had  come  out  with  this  party  after  meat. 
I  then  gave  him  my  reasons  for  attacking  the  Snakes, 
and  begged  him  to  commend  me  to  all  the  old  mount- 
aineers. 

**  There  is  not  a  day  passes,"  he  said,  "  but  some 
one  mentions  you,  to  wonder  where  you  are,  and  what 
you  are  now  doing.  I  can  tell  them  all  that  I  have 
seen  you,  and  conversed  with  you." 

I  then  told  him  he  was  at  liberty  to  go  at  any  time ; 
that  he  could  take  all  the  horses  belonging  to  him,  and 
all  else  that  he  needed.  We  assisted  him  with  the 
body  of  his  unhappy  friend  upon  the  back  of  a  horse, 
and,  bidding  me  adieu,  he  departed. 

The  Snakes  dispatched  a  deputation  of  forty  war- 
riors and  a  medicine  chief  to  the  Crows  to  negotiate 
peace.  They  attached  all  the  blame  of  the  late  rup- 
ture to  the  Utahs,  whom,  they  said,  they  could  not  con- 
trol, and  that  the  death  of  our  six  young  warriors  was 
entirely  against  their  wish. 

This  we  knew  was  false,  for  there  were  ten  Snakes 
to  one  Utah  in  the  camp  at  the  time  of  the  outrage. 
They  also  pleaded  that  they  had  tried  for  a  long  time 
to  induce  the  Utahs  to  return  home,  knowing  that  they 
were  enemies  to  the  Crows.     We  at  length  adjusted 


2^8 


ALrOHJCKSUAI'hV    OK 


tho  conditions  of  j)c<acc,  Hi.iokcd  the  cjilumot,  and,  after 
an  cxclwingc  of  prcscntH,  they  returned  to  their  lionie. 

vVbout  tliis  time  a  brave,  named  JJig  Rain,  was  cleet- 
ed  chief  of  the  village  for  the  term  of  six  moons.  His 
fliilics  'vvere  to  superintend  all  the  village  removals,  to 
scleet  sites  for  camj)S,  order  surrounds ;  in  sliort,  he 
was  a  kind  of  mayor,  and  alone  subject  to  the  liead 
chief.  Big  Kain  j)0ssesscd  the  most  beautiful  squaw 
in  the  whoh;  village  ;  she  was  the  admiration  of  every 
young  br.ave,  and  all  were  plotting  (myself  among  the 
rest)  to  win  licr  aw.iy  from  her  proud  lord.  [  had 
spoken  to  her  on  several  occasions,  and,  whenever  op- 
portunity offered,  would  tender  her  my  most  ceremoni- 
ous obeisance  ;  but  she  never  favored  me  with  any  re- 
turn. Not  oidy  was  she  beautiful,  but  she  was  very 
intelligent,  and  as  proud  as  Jiucifer;  and  the  gor- 
geous dyes  of  the  peacock  were  not  more  variegated 
or  more  showy  than  her  attire.  8incc  the  e'  ation 
of  her  husband,  I  fancied  that  she  assume  'her 
Iiaughtier  airs  ;  and  1  determined  to  steal  her  from  her 
lord,  be  the  consequences  what  they  might. 

I  went  one  evening  to  her  brother's  lodge,  and  ac- 
(ptainted  him  that  there  was  a  woman  in  our  villac;o 
that  1  loved,  and  that  I  must  have  her  at  all  hazards. 

"  Well,  warrior,"  said  he,  "  if  it  is  any  of  my  rela- 
tives, I  will  assist  you  all  in  my  power.  You  are  a 
great  brave,  and  have  gained  many  victories  for  us,  and 
it  is  but  right  that  your  desires  should  be  gratified.'' 

"Thank  you,"  said  I;  "but  I  will  try  alone  first, 
and  if  I  do  not  succeed,  then  I  shall  be  very  glad  of 
your  assistance." 

As  an  acknowledgment  for  the  prompt  tender  of  his 
services,  I  presented  him  with  a  quantity  of  tobacco. 
"Now,"  added  I,  "  I  want  you  to  call  in  all  your 


(( 


(( 


(( 


JAMKH    v.    HKCKWOCKTII. 


•<f  It' 


his 

icco. 

roiir 


lu'ighbor.s  to-niglit,  and  let  thoiii  .smoke  as  long  as  they 
please.  After  they  are  assembled,  bar  the  door  of  your 
lodge,  and  anuisc  them  as  long  as  you  ean  with  the  re- 
hearsal of  your  adventures,  in  the  mean  time,  1  will 
be  engaged." 

I  then  went  to  my  bosom  friend  and  brotiier,  and 
made  part  to  him  of  what  1  had  in  hand,  which  reve- 
hition  greatly  amused  him.  1  requested  him  to  act  as 
sentry  over  the  lodge  where  they  were  all  smoking — 
liig  Rain  with  the  rest,  for  1  had  seen  him  enter — and 
remain  there  until  he  was  satisHed  they  had  filled  their 
pipes  for  the  last  time,  and  then  to  call  out  to  me,  but 
to  mislead  them  in  the  place  where  he  was  addressing 
me.  This  he  promised  to  perforin,  and  we  both  start- 
ed on  our  errands. 

I  went  to  Big  llain's  lodge,  dressed  and  painted  in 
tlie  extreme  of  the  fashion,  and  sa^v  the  lady  reclining, 
Iialf  asleep,  upon  her  couch,  and  several  of  her  female- 
relatives  asleep  about  the  room.  Nothing  daunted,  I 
strode  to  the  couch  of  Mrs.  Big  Rain,  and  laid  my  hand 
gently  on  her  brow. 

Slic  started  up,  saying,  "Who  is  here?" 

"Hush!"  I  replied;   "it  is  I." 

"What  do  you  want  here?" 

"  I  have  come  to  see  you,  because  I  love  you." 

"Don't  you  know  that  I  am  the  chief's  wife?" 

"  Yes,  I  know  it ;  but  he  does  not  love  you  as  I  do. 
lie  never  goes  to  war,  but  stays  idly  in  the  village.  1 
am  a  great  brave,  and  always  go  to  war.  I  can  paint 
your  face,  and  bring  you  fine  horses ;  but  so  long  as 
you  are  the  wife  of  Big  Rain,  he  will  never  paint  your 
face  with  new  coos.'''' 

"My  husband  will  kill  you." 

"  Well,  then  the  Crows  will  talk  of  you  for  many 


240 


AUTOBIOUKAI'IIV    OP 


winters,  and  say  that  tlic  great  brave,  *  The  Bloody 
Arm,'  died  for  a  pretty  woman." 

'*  Your  father,"  she  said,  "  will  lose  all  his  horses, 
and  all  his  other  property,  and  will  beeomc  poor  in  liis 
old  age.  I  respect  your  father,  and  all  your  relatives, 
and  my  heart  would  cry  to  see  them  poor." 

"  If  my  father  loses  his  horses,  I  can  steal  more  from 
our  enemies,  lie  would  he  proud  to  lose  his  horses 
if  his  son  could  get  a  wife  as  handsome  as  you  are. 
You  can  go  to  war  with  me,  and  carry  my  shield. 
With  you  by  my  side,  I  could  kill  a  great  many  ene- 
mies, and  bring  home  many  scalps.  Then  wc  could 
often  dance,  and  our  hearts  would  be  made  merry  and 


glad." 


"Go  now,"  she  pleaded  ;  "for  if  my  husband  should 
return,  and  lind  you  here,  he  would  be  very  angry,  and 
I  fear  he  would  kill  you.  Go  !  go !  for  your  own 
sake,  and  for  mine,  and  for  the  love  you  have  for  the 
Crows,  go!" 

"  No,"  said  I,  "  I  will  not  go  until  you  give  me  a 
pledge  that  you  will  be  mine  when  an  opportunity  of- 
fers for  me  to  take  you  away." 

She  hesitated  for  a  moment,  and  then  slipped  a  ring 
off  her  finger  and  placed  it  on  mine.  All  I  now  had 
to  do  was  to  watch  for  a  favorable  chance  to  take  her 
away  with  me  on  some  of  my  excursions.  Just  as  I 
was  about  to  leave,  my  friend  called  me  as  though  I  had 
been  three  miles  away.     I  went  out  and  joined  him, 

"  What  luck  ?"  inquired  he. 

"Good,"  said  T. 

"  Prove  it  to  me,  I  will  believe,"  said  my  friend. 

I  held  out  my  finger  to  him,  displaying  the  ring. 

"Enough,"  said  he;  "but  I  could  not  otherwise 
have  believed  it." 


.JAMIiS    I'.    HECK  woe  Kill. 


241 


Tlie  following  day,  with  six  warriors  in  full  co.s- 
tume,  I  visited  Wig  Rain  at  his  lodge. 

*'  Ah  !"  said  he,  "  you  arc  going  on  a  war-excursion, 
my  friend  ?" 

"No,"  I  answered.  "\Vc  carnc  to  sec  which  way 
you  arc  going  to  move,  how  many  days  you  will  trav- 
el, and  how  far  each  day ;  so  that  we  may  lind  good 
places  to  encamp,  and  know  where  to  find  the  village 
in  case  we  should  encounter  the  enemy." 

"You  are  very  kind,"  said  he;  "then  you  intend 
to  be  my  spy.  I  have  many  brothers  and  other  rela- 
tives among  the  braves,  but  not  one  has  ever  made  me 
that  offer." 

"No,"  thought  I,  "they  don't  care  as  much  about 
your  wife  as  I  do." 

"Go,"  said  he,  "and  the  Great  Spirit  will  protect 
you." 

I  then  left,  accompanied  by  my  six  warriors.  The 
second  day  out,  in  the  afternoon,  as  we  were  traveling 
.slowly  along,  I  discovered,  at  about  a  mile  distance,  a 
party  of  twenty-seven  Black  Foot  warriors,  just  emerg- 
ing from  the  Bad  Pass.  We  immediately  retraced  our 
steps  toward  home,  and  traveled  all  night,  until  we  ar- 
rived within  three  miles  of  the  village.  When  within 
sight,  we  telegraphed  with  the  aid  of  a  small  looking- 
glass,  which  the  Crow  scouts  usually  carry,  and  every 
motion  of  which  is  understood  in  the  village.  I  made 
a  signal  that  I  had  discovered  the  enemy,  and  a  second 
that  they  were  approaching.  In  a  moment  I  could 
discover  a  great  stir  in  the  village.  When  we  arrived, 
I  reported  to  his  honor,  Big  Rain,  how  many  we  had 
seen,  what  tribe  they  were,  where  they  had  passed  the 
previous  night,  and  where  they  could  then  be  found, 
rhe  chief  then  ordered  his  madam  to  bring  us  some 

J  J 


242 


AUTOBIOGKAPHY    OF 


water,  an  order  she  complied  with,  smiling  coquettish- 
ly  at  nic  tlie  while. 

I  then  retired  to  my  lodge  to  change  my  dress,  as 
portions  of  it  were  stained  with  our  travel  through  the 
mountains.  While  I  was  in  my  lodge,  madam  came 
over  with  a  splendid  war-horse,  which  her  husband  had 
sent  me,  on  which  to  return  and  fight  the  Black  Feet 
I  had  just  discovered.  She  said,  "My  husband  has 
sent  this  war-horse  to  the  Bloody  Arm,  and  requests 
him  to  lead  the  Crows  to  the  enemy." 

I  was  soon  on  the  road,  with  enough  mounted  war- 
riors to  eat  the  whole  party  of  the  enemy ;  for  they 
were  only  a  short  distance  from  our  village,  and,  desir- 
ous of  excitement,  every  one  wished  to  go.  Judging 
where  the  enemy  would  encamp  that  night,  we  travel- 
ed on  until  we  arrived  near  the  anticipated  encamp- 
ment. 

Previous  to  starting,  my  little  wife,  who,  by  being 
the  wife  of  a  great  brave,  was  as  good  as  any  woman, 
wished  to  bear  me  company  and  carry  my  shield.  But 
I  refused  her,  alleging  that  the  danger  was  too  great, 
and  promising  to  paint  her  face  when  I  returned.  One 
of  my  sisters  then  volunteered,  and  I  accepted  her  of- 
fer, taking  her  with  me  to  carry  my  shield  and  lead 
my  war-horse. 

As  soon  as  it  was  light  enough  in  the  morning,  I 
sent  out  small  parties  in  all  directions  to  look  for  their 
trail,  that  we  might  track  them  to  their  den.  In  ten 
or  fifteen  minutes  after  the  parties  left,  we  heard  the  re- 
port of  a  gun,  and  the  war-hoop  raised.  The  Crows 
assembled  in  the  direction  of  the  report,  all  drawing 
toward  a  centre.  When  I  arrived,  I  saw  that  the 
Black  Feet  had  chosen  a  strong  position,  and  that  we 
had  another  fort  to  storm.    It  was  built  partly  by  na- 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOUKTH. 


24J 


ture,  but  human  industry  had  improved  the  stronghold. 
It  was  low  water,  and  there  was  a  pile  of  drift  on  a 
naked  sand-bar,  and  trees  had  been  felled  from  the 
bank  npon  the  drift-pile,  forming  quite  a  shelter.  Over 
this  position  the  enemy  was  placed,  protected  with  a 
breast-work  formed  of  timber  taken  from  the  drift. 
When  I  reached  the  ground,  I  saw  two  of  our  reckles^^ 
braves  talking  carelessly  under  the  enemy  in  this  in- 
closed space,  as  if  they  had  been  in  a  secure  lodge.  1 
regarded  them  for  a  moment,  and,  thinking  to  display 
as  much  bravery  as  they  had,  I  dismounted  and  ran 
to  the  place,  although  several  shots  were  fired  at  me 
from  tlie  fort,  none  of  which  took  effect. 

"What  are  you  here  for?"  inquired  one  of  them  of 
me. 

"In  the  first  place," I  said,  "tell  me  what  you  are 
here  for." 

"  Why  we  are  old  warriors,  and  you  are  not." 

"  If  I  am  not  an  old  warrior,"  I  answered,  "  I  will 
be  one." 

I  then  regarded  the  rough  flooring  over  head,  which 
separated  us  from  our  foes,  and  perceived  an  aperture 
hardly  large  enough  to  admit  my  fist.  I  stood  under 
it  a  moment,  and  as  the  warriors  were  moving  about, 
one  of  them  stepped  over  the  aperture  and  remained 
there.  I  thrust  my  lance  up  with  my  whole  force,  and 
drew  it  back  reeking  with  blood. 

"There,  old  warriors,"  said  I  to  my  two  companions, 
"  who  has  drawn  the  first  blood  now  ?  W^ho  struck 
tliem  first  ?  Old  warriors,  or  a  young  brave  ?  How 
do  you  like  the  look  of  my  lance  ?     Do  you  see  it  ?" 

"  Yes,  yes,  we  see  it.  You  have  done  well,  young 
brave!" 

"Well,"  said  I,  "  you  can  stay  here  out  of  danger ; 


244 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


but  I  am  going  out  to  my  warriors,  and  then  to  storm 
the  fort." 

I  ran  back  with  the  same  success  that  I  had  enter- 
ed it,  brandishing  my  dripping  lance,  and  ordered  a 
charge,  which  was  obeyed  as  soon  as  given.  In  five 
minutes  there  was  not  a  Black  Foot  left  within  alive. 
They  made  scarcely  any  defense,  so  sudden  and  over- 
whelming was  the  shock. 

We  had  one  warrior  killed  by  the  first  discharge  of 
the  enemy,  and  six  wounded.  We  then  returned  home, 
and,  notwithstanding  our  slain  warrior,  we  celebrated 
a  dance,  and  devoted  the  next  day  to  mourning  our 
loss.  In  robing  his  remains  for  the  spirit  land,  we 
dressed  him  in  the  most  costly  manner,  using  trink- 
ets, seam-embroidered  cloth,  and  the  most  costly  ar- 
ticles, to  show  the  inhabitants  of  the  spirit  land  that 
he  was  a  great  brave,  and  much  respected  on  earth. 
Over  all  was  wrapped  the  best  of  scarlet  blankets,  and 
his  arms  were  enfolded  therein. 

Oh  shroud  him  in  his  hunting-shirt, 

And  lay  him  in  the  glen, 
Away,  away  from  jealous  foes, 

Away  from  sight  of  men — 

With  bow  and  painted  arrow. 

That  never  failed  its  aim. 
When  by  his  fleet  and  favorite  steed 

The  bounding  bison  came. 

Go,  kill  the  warrior's  favorite  horse, 

His  crouching,  lonely  hound ; 
To  shield  so  brave  a  warrior 

In  the  happy  hunting-ground. 

While  the  villagers  were  crying  and  putting  on  a  coat 
of  mourning-paint  for  the  departed  warrior,  I  was  bus- 
ied in  my  domestic  affairs.  I  sent  my  sister  to  madam 
with  a  large  quantity  of  service-berries,  which  had  been 


.lAMES   P.  BECKWOIJKTII. 


245 


a  coat 
bus- 

adam 
been 


finely  dried  the  preceding  summer,  together  with  some 
sweet  potatoes,  telling  her  to  request  madam  to  send 
me  her  extra  moccasins,  in  order  to  lash  them  together 
with  my  own  on  my  pack-dog,  and  to  appoint  a  place 
to  meet  me  that  evening.  My  sister  was  astonished, 
and  said,  *'  Is  it  po;;sible  that  you  intend  to  take  Ba- 
chua-hish-a  (Red  Cherry)  with  you  ?  Why,  we  shall 
all  become  poor !  We  shall  not  have  a  horse  to  ride ! 
But  I  don't  care;  she  is  a  pretty  woman,  and  will 
make  a  good  robe-dresser." 

Away  she  hied,  and  soon  returned  with  my  lady's 
moccasins.  Ah,  ah !  thought  I,  I  am  all  right  now ! 
I  expected  that  the  course  of  true  love  would  not  run 
very  smooth  with  me  in  the  end,  but  would,  on  the 
contrary,  carry  me  over  breakers  which  would  most 
probably  break  my  neck ;  but  I  fortified  myself  with 
the  old  adage,  "Faint  heart  never  won  fair  lady, "and  I 
determined  to  hazard  all  consequences. 

The  appointed  time  had  arrived,  and,  on  going  to 
the  place  of  assignation,  I  found  my  lady  true  to  her 
word — in  fact,  she  was  there  first.  W^e  joined  the  par- 
ty, thirty-four  in  number,  and  traveled  all  night  in  the 
direction  of  the  Black  Foot  country.  On  the  sixth 
(lay,  at  nightfall,  we  arrived  at  the  IMussel  Shell  Riv- 
er, a  little  below  the  mouth  of  the  Judith,  and  in  sight 
of  a  village  of  the  enemy.  I  looked  out  a  good  place 
for  a  reserve  camp,  and  then,  selecting  eighteen  of  the 
most  expert  horse-thieves,  we  started  for  the  village. 
We  succeeded  in  capturing  one  hundred  and  seventeen 
horses  without  being  discovered,  and  arrived  safe  with 
them  at  the  camp.  We  all  started  immediately  back 
for  the  village.  The  warriors  took  but  two  horses 
each,  giving  the  rest  to  me  and  my  new  wife. 

Meanwhile,  Big  Rain  made  discovery  of  the  loss  of 


246 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OF 


his  wife,  and  was  greatly  disturbed  in  mind.  My  fa- 
ther, knowing  the  aggressor,  commenced  giving  away 
to  his  near  relatives  all  his  choicest  stock  and  other 
valuable  property,  until  the  storm  should  blow  over. 

When  we  rode  in,  the  people  came  out  to  meet  us, 
rejoicing  at  our  success.  Big  Rain  Avas  out  likewise : 
he  took  no  part  in  the  rejoicing,  however,  but  ordered 
his  wife  and  me  to  be  surrounded.  I  was  seized  by 
Big  Bain,  together  with  half  a  dozen  of  his  sisters,  all 
armed  with  scourges,  and  they  administered  a  most 
unmerciful  whipping.  I  lay  down  to  it,  and  received 
it  with  true  Indian  fortitude,  thousrh  I  certainly  did 
think  they  would  beat  me  to  death.  If  I  had  resisted, 
they  would  have  been  justified  in  killing  me  ;  also,  if 
they  had  drawn  one  drop  of  blood  from  me,  I  should 
have  been  justified  in  taking  their  lives.  They  laid  it 
on  so  unmercifully,  that  I  became  angry,  and  hoped 
they  would  draw  blood.  After  the  flagellation  was 
performed,  the  next  penalty  was,  to  strip  my  father 
and  myself  of  all  our  horses  and  other  effects  (our 
war-implements  excepted).  My  father  was  stripped 
of  five  hundred  horses.     I  lost  about  eighty. 

"  Pretty  dear  for  a  very  pretty  woman,"  thought  I. 
However,  I  soon  had  my  horses  made  up  to  me  by 
presents  from  my  friends. 

We  performed  the  horse-dance  that  night,  though  I 
danced  without  owning  one.  During  the  amusement  I 
conveyed  word  to  the  wife  of  Big  Bain  that  I  should 
go  out  again  the  next  night,  and  should  expect  her 
company,  appointing  her  to  meet  me  at  tlie  same  place 
as  before.  She  returned  a  favorable  answer.  My  little 
wife  hauled  me  over  the  coals  for  stealing  a  tnarried 
woman,  when  tliere  were  enough  maidens  in  the  vil- 
lage that  I  could  select.     I  told  her  that  I  wished  to 


JAMES    P.    BECKWOURTH. 


247 


fa- 


;htL 
le  by 


have  the  handsomest  woman  in  the  village  for  my 
lodge. 

The  appointed  hour  arrived,  and  Big  Rain's  wife 
was  faithful  to  her  promise.  We  started  off  with  only 
seventeen  warriors.  We  were  gone  four  days,  and  re- 
turned with  three  sealps.  We  met  a  war-party  of 
nine  warriors,  six  of  whom  outstripped  us  and  escaped. 

On  my  return  I  was  again  seized,  and  received  an- 
other such  a  flogging  as  the  first,  laid  on  with  equal 
good-will. 

After  my  dressing,  I  retired  to  my  lodge,  when  a 
woman  approached  me  hearing  some  burden  in  her 
arms.  She  addressed  me:  "Here  is  something  will 
gladden  your  heart ;  he  will  make  as  great  a  brave  as 
his  father :  his  name  is  Black  Panther.  Here,  look  at 
your  child." 

Sure  enough,  my  little  wife  had  presented  me  with 
a  son,  who  is  at  this  present  time  (1855)  first  counsel- 
or of  the  Crow  nation. 

Two  nights  afterward,  I  started  on  a  third  expedi- 
tion with  a  party  of  sixty-three  warriors,  my  new  wife 
accompanying  me  for  the  third  time.  We  took  a 
southerly  course  toward  the  country  of  the  Black  Feet, 
and  captured  near  two  hundred  head  of  horses,  with 
which  we  returned  home  by  way  of  the  fort.  On  ar- 
riving at  the  fort,  I  found  that  my  services  were  re- 
quired, and  that  they  were  about  to  dispatch  a  courier 
after  me  on  business  of  great  importance.  I  told  the 
commander  that  I  must  go  home  with  my  party,  but 
that  I  would  return  to  the  fort  with  the  least  possible 
delay.  Accordingly  we  started  on.  On  tlie  road  we 
fell  in  with  a  small  party  of  trappers,  who  were  under 
the  conduct  of  an  old  schoolmate  of  mine,  David 
Adams.    They  seemed  greatly  dejected,  and  I  inquired 


24H 


AlTOHIOlJliAlMlV    (JF 


of  tlicm  the  cause.  Adams  then  related  that  he  had 
been  rt)Ll)cd  of  every  tiling  he  possessed  hy  some  oi' 
his  men  confederated  with  a  number  of  my  Indians, 
and  that  they  had  sent  him  off  in  the  forlorn  condition 
in  which  I  now  saw  him.  I  asked  him  to  describe  the 
appearance  of  the  Indians  who  took  part  in  robbijiv^ 
him. 

*'One  of  the  party,"  said  he,  "was  not  an  Indian, 
but  a  mulatto." 

"  Tiicre  was  no  mulatto  when  I  left,"  I  answered, 
"and  you  must  be  mistaken." 

"  No,"  he  replied,  "  I  am  not.  You  will  find  him 
there  on  your  return." 

"Well,"  said  I,  "get  up  and  return  to  the  village 
with  me ;  I  will  sift  this  matter  to  the  bottom.'' 

lie  declined  to  accompany  mc.  "They  told  me,  if 
I  returned,"  he  urged,  "  that  they  would  kill  us  all ; 
and  I  dare  not  go  back." 

"  Come  with  me,"  I  said.  "  If  there  is  any  killing 
to  be  done,  I  will  have  a  hand  in  it." 

He  at  length  consented  to  return  with  mc.  On  gain- 
ing the  village,  I  rode  up  to  my  father's  lodge,  and 
said,  "  How  is  this  ?  You  allow  white  men  to  be  rob- 
bed in  the  village,  directly  under  your  eyes  I  Do  you 
wish  to  call  down  the  vengeance  of  the  great  white 
chief  upon  the  Crows  ?  Do  you  wish  them  to  be  made 
poor  and  miserable,  like  the  other  tribes  ?  Have  I  not 
often  told  you  of  the  immense  number  of  white  war- 
riors ;  that  they  were  like  the  sand  of  the  prairie — as 
the  leaves  of  the  forest  ?" 

"  Hold,  my  son !  I  had  nothing  to  do  in  the  matter. 
My  heart  was  sorrowful  when  I  heard  of  the  crime.  It 
was  High  Lance  who  committed  it." 

"Then  I  will  go  and  kill  him,  or  be  killed  my- 


JAMES    I*.   BECKWOURTU. 


24'J 


ter. 
It 


self,"  said  I;  and  away  I  sped  to  the  lodge  of  High 
Lance. 

"Go  with  him — go  with  him!"  exclaimed  my  father 
to  all  my  brothers  and  relatives  around.  "He  is  mad; 
go  and  protect  liim." 

I  advanced  to  High  Lance,  who  was  standing  at  his 
lodge,  who,  on  seeing  me  approach,  stepped  in  and  shut 
his  door.  I  dismounted,  and  +o;e  his  door  down  in 
an  instant,  and  demanded  of  him  what  he  had  been 
doing.  I  remarked  that  his  lodge  was  extremely  well 
supplied  with  goods. 

"High  Lance,"  said  I,  in  an  authoritative  tone,  "re- 
store to  these  men  their  horses  without  one  moment's 
delay." 

"  I  have  taken  no  horses,"  said  he,  sullenly. 

"  Send  for  them  in  an  instant,"  said  L 

By  this  time  my  Dog  Soldiers,  the  bravest  men  in 
the  nation,  were  surrounding  me. 

"  What  does  our  chief  want  ?"  demanded  they. 

I  told  them  that  I  wanted  all  the  goods  taken  out 
of  the  lodge  of  High  Lance,  for  that  he  had  assisted 
to  steal  them  from  a  white  man,  who  was  my  friend. 
Instantly  the  lodge  was  hoisted,  and  torn  into  a  thou- 
sand pieces,  and  High  Lance,  the  mulatto,  and  eleven 
white  men,  were  exposed  to  plain  view. 

I  then  accosted  the  mulatto:  "What  are  you  doing 
here,  you  black  velvet-headed  scoundrel  ?  You  come 
here  in  my  absence  to  put  the  devil  into  the  heads  of 
the  Indians,  who  are  bad  enough  already  ?  I  will  have 
your  scalp  torn  off,  you  consummate  villain!" 

The  poor  fellow  was  frightened  almost  to  death,  and 
trembled  in  every  joint.  He  replied,  "The  Crows 
gave  me  liberty  to  stay  here  and  trap  in  their  country, 

-d-  L  2 


250 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


**  Not  another  word,"  interrupted  I ;  "  though  I  will 
hang  you,  at  any  rate." 

Then,  turning  to  the  eleven  renegade  white  men, 
I  said,  "I  give  you  just  live  minutes  to  leave  tlu; 
village ;  if  you  are  longer  in  going,  I  will  order  my 
warriors  to  scalp  every  one  of  you.  You  assume  to 
be  white  men,  and  yet  think  no  more  of  yourselves 
than  to  enter  an  Indian  village  and  set  such  an  ex- 
ample to  the  savages ;  whereas,  if  they  were  to  treat 
you  in  such  a  manner,  you  would  think  death  too  light 
a  punishment.  You  rob  your  own  race,  and  forbid 
their  return  to  the  village  under  pain  of  death,  allying 
yourselves  with  the  worst  Indian  in  the  tribe.  After 
stripping  your  victim,  you  forcibly  deprive  him  of  his 
few  trusty  followers,  and  bid  him  go  through  these 
trackless  wilds,  filled  with  murderous  savages,  who, 
had  they  come  across  him,  would  have  murdered  him 
before  he  reached  the  fort." 

I  rated  them  thus  soundly,  but  not  one  offered  to 
lift  his  hand.  The  stolen  horses  were  very  quickly 
forthcoming,  and  the  purloined  property  was  readily 
produced.     I  restored  it  to  my  friend  before  them. 

"Now,"  I  said,  addressing  the  gang,  "you  can  re- 
turn to  the  fort  with  Mr.  Adams ;  but  if  I  hear  that 
you  offer  to  molest  him  in  any  way,  your  scalps  shall 
pay  for  it." 

Then,  turning  to  the  mulatto,  I  said,  *'  You  have 
instigated  all  this  mischief,  and  I  should  only  be  doing 
my  duty  to  put  my  threat  into  execution,  and  hang 
you  as  I  promised.  However,  you  can  go  to  the  fort 
with  these  men.  I  shall  be  there  about  as  soon  as 
you  will,  and  I  will  attend  to  your  case  then.  I'll  see 
if  I  can  not  teach  you  better  than  to  come  among  the 
Crows  again." 


JAMES    1'.  BECKWOURTH. 


251 


lang 

fort 

as 

see 

the 


]\Ir.  Adams  belonged  to  Captain  IJonneville's  com- 
pany, and  was  leader  of  a  party  of  about  twenty  men  ; 
Jic  had  come  into  the  Crow  country  for  the  purpose 
of  trading  and  trapping.  The  mulatto  had  arrived 
previously,  and  had  brought  a  Canadian  with  him : 
the  mulatto  could  speak  the  Crow  language  tolerably 
well.  IFe  had  become  acquainted  with  High  Lance, 
who  was  a  bad  Indian,  and  had  relations  as  bad 
as  himself;  and  through  this  clique  he  had  obtained 
permission  to  stay  and  trap  in  the  country.  On  the 
arrival  of  !Mr.  Adams,  the  mulatto  made  himself  very 
familiar  with  his  men,  representing  to  them  that  they 
were  fools  to  travel  for  hire,  when  they  could  stay 
among  the  Crows  with  him  and  do  so  much  better. 
By  these  arguments  he  induced  eleven  of  ^Ir.  Adams's 
party  to  desert  him,  when,  with  the  participation  of 
High  Lance  and  other  bad  Indians,  they  stripped  him 
of  :  -1  his  goods.  IMr.  Adams  expressed  his  warmest 
thanks  to  me  for  my  interference.  I  told  him  I  had 
only  done  my  duty,  as  I  always  had  done  in  like 
cases,  and  should  continue  to  do  as  long  as  I  remained 
with  the  Crows. 

This  business  settled,  I  received  a  third  sound 
thrashing  from  my  new  wife's  husband  and  relatives 
for  again  making  free  with  his  wife. 

After  the  lapse  of  three  days  I  left  for  the  fort, 
again  taking  my  friend's  lady.  Her  husband,  finding 
that  I  was  incorrigible,  grew  furious,  and  declared  he 
only  wished  to  have  me  in  his  power  once  more.  ]\Iy 
Dog  Soldiers  said  to  him,  *'  You  have  whipped  him 
three  times,  and  you  shall  whip  him  no  more,  neither 
shall  you  do  him  any  farther  harm.  Red  Cherry  loves 
him,  and  she  does  not  love  you ;  she  will  always  go 
with  him.     You  might  as  well  try  to  turn  Big  Horn 


252 


AIJTOHHXJIJArilY    OF 


back  to  its  mountain  sources  as  to  attempt  to  separate 
tliun,  unless  you  kill  them.  Vou  would  not  be  so 
cowardly  as  to  spill  the  blood  of  the  pretty  Jted  Cher- 
ry beeausc  she  loves  our  chief.  If  you  should  tight 
him,  he  av  111  kill  you ;  and  if  you  should  assassinate 
him,  wc  Avould  avenge  his  death.  No,  no !  J5ig  Kain 
must  not  hurt  our  chief.  ]5ut  wc  will  buy  your  claim 
to  the  lied  Cherry,  and  give  her  to  Red  i\rm  for  his 
own.  Vou,  a  great  chief,  should  despise  to  want  a 
woman  who  loves  another  warrior  beUer  than  you!" 

I  Jig  Kain  drooped  his  head  on  finding  the  Dog  Sol- 
diers were  against  him,  and  gave  v/ay  to  deep  reverie, 
lie  loved  the  lied  Cherry  as  children  love  the  delicious 


fruit  bearing  the  same  name. 


After  weighing  the  mat- 


ter well,  he  reluctantly  acceded  to  the  oiler,  and  con- 
sented to  resign  all  interest  and  title  in  Mrs.  Big  Rain 
for  the  consideration  of  one  war-horse,  ten  guns,  ten 
chiefs'  coats,  scarlet  cloth,  ten  pairs  of  new  leggins, 
and  the  same  number  of  moccasins. 

The  stipulation  was  forthwith  produced  by  my  faith- 
ful Dog  Soldiers,  and  I  had  the  exclusive  right  to  the 
Ked  Cherry,  without  the  fear  of  a  drubbing  every  time 
I  returned. 

Such  acts  are  as  common  among  the  Rocky  ]\Iount- 
ain  tribes  as  they  have  been  among  the  whites  in  Cal- 
ifornia since  the  discovery  of  gold  there,  though  in 
the  latter  place,  the  penalty  is  frequently  more  severe 
than  among  the  wild  tribes  of  the  mountains  and  prai- 
ries. 

]My  new  wife  was  the  perfection  of  symmetry.  Few 
of  the  Caucasian  race  could  boast  of  handsomer  feat- 
ures, and  noiliing  but  the  rich  olive  color  of  the  skin 
betrayed  her  Indian  origin.  Big  Rain  always  regard- 
ed me  with  an  evil  eye  after  the  transaction,  and  sev 


up 
tlie 
Th 


JAMKS  I'.  iu:(;kvvoi;ktii. 


2r):i 


oral  times  attcm])tc(l  to  iiuliicn  tlic  lady  to  return  to 
him.  Many  warriorrt,  wluwc  wives  Jiad  played  truant, 
had  cut  oil'  their  nones  to  dejjrive  them  of  their  attrac- 
tions. 1  told  Red  Cherry  that  if  ever  she  should  re- 
turn to  Big  Uain,  he  would  surely  serve  her  so.  She 
never  manifested  any  disposition  to  leave  me  ;  and  my 
engagement  to  the  American  l''ur  Company  enabled 
me  to  dress  my  wives  better  than  any  other  woman  in 
the  whole  nation. 

It  was  now  early  spring,  and  T  started  for  the  fort. 
Before  1  left,  I.  told  the  Crows  what  time  1  wished 
tlieni  to  follow  me  with  their  peltry. 

On  my  arrival,  I  was  informed  that  a  ]\Ir.  Johnson 
Gardner  had  bought  quite  a  large  lot  of  goods,  which 
he  had  taken  to  his  camp,  eighteen  miles  down  the 
river.  The  morning  after  my  arrival,  three  men  were 
dispatched  from  the  fort  to  acquaint  him  tl*at  I  had 
come.  I  liad  two  hundred  warriors  with  me ;  and  on 
the  night  of  our  arrival  we  formed  a  camp  and  turned 
out  the  horses,  not  apprehending  any  danger.  Early 
in  the  morning  one  of  my  followers  went  out  to  fetch 
up  the  horses,  when  he  found  th^m  all  missing,  and 
tlie  trail  visible  on  which  they  had  been  taken  away. 
The  alarm  was  instantly  given,  and  I  ran  to  the  top 
of  the  hill  to  take  a  general  survey.  I  saw  two  objects 
on  the  ice,  which  appeared  to  me  to  be  men  ;  and  tlrs 
excited  my  apprehensions  that  they  were  two  of  the 
men  dispatched  from  the  fort,  as  they  lay  in  the  direc- 
tion which  they  had  taken.  I  collected  my  warriors 
instantly  for  the  pursuit,  placing  all  our  women  and 
children  in  the  fort.  I  ordered  some  of  the  white  men 
down  on  the  ice  to  bring  in  the  supposed  bodies. 
Alas !  my  suspicions  proved  too  true !  All  three  men 
had  been  butchered,  and  when  we  rode  up  their  bod- 


■..T..Tf  f.tS-CMSms^fr-r.'X^—^  ■ .j«i».»,^>|^.— ^^(n|-,(,f^|n 


254 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OF 


ics  were  scarecly  cold.  The  eyes  of  the  warriors  flash- 
ed fire,  and,  without  delaying  a  moment,  on  we  swept 
in  pursuit  of  revenge.  We  traveled  about  thirty  miles 
('^ach  man  leading  liis  war-horse),  and  our  saddle-horses 
v.ere  beginning  to  tire,  and  we  saw  nothing  of  the  en- 
emy. l3arkne';s  would  close  over  us,  we  feared,  before 
we  could  overtake  them.  We  then  mounted  our  war- 
horses,  which  were  as  swift  as  the  wind,  and,  leaving 
the  saddle-horses  behind,  on  we  went  faster  than  ever. 
Darkness  was  already  upon  us,  when  we  came  in  sight 
of  a  large  fire  in  the  distance. 

"  Now,  boys,  we  have  them  !"  cried  I. 

We  rode  on  until  we  neared  the  camp  of  the  enemy, 
as  we  supposed,  and  then  I  examined  their  position 
previous  to  the  onset.  Just  as  I  was  about  to  give 
the  order  to  charge,  1  heard  a  voice  from  the  camp 
saying,  "  Throw  them  in  I     D — n  them,  throw  them 


in 


t" 


I  then  saluted  the  camp,  shouting  at  the  top  of  my 
voice,  "  Halloo  the  camp !  Don't  shoot,  boys ;  we  are 
Crows!     I  am  Jim  BeckwourthI" 

I  then  rode  up  with  my  whole  party,  and  found  that 
they  had  taken  two  prisoners  from  the  very  party  we 
were  in  pursuit  of,  and  under  the  following  circum- 
stances :  The  pursued  party  rode  up  to  the  camp,  and 
several  of  them  dismounted,  among  whom  was  Antoine 
GaiTO  (a  Canadian  half-breed),  well  known  in  St. 
Louis.     Garro  coultl  speak  tolerably  good  English. 

He  accosted  Gardner  with  "How  d'do  ?  You  have 
got  a  good  fire." 

"Who  are  you,"  inquired  Gardner,  "that  you  speak 
English  ?" 

"My  name  is  Garro." 

'*What  Indians  are  those  with  you?" 


JAMES    P.  BECKWOURTH. 


255 


St. 


"  Oh,  they  are  good  Indians ;  they  will  not  hurt  you." 

Gardner  discovered  that  too  many  were  dismount- 
ing and  crowding  round  his  camp;  and  he  perceived 
that  many  of  them  rode  in  the  direction  of  his  horses, 
and  he  became  alarmed,  as  he  well  might  be  at  his 
situation. 

"Garro,"said  he,  again,  "tell  me,  what  Indians  are 
these?" 

"  They  are  Re-ka-ras,"  said  he ;  "  they  have  bor- 
rowed your  horses,  but  they  will  bring  them  back 
again."  He  said  this  as  he  saw  Gardner  look  in  the 
direction  of  his  horses. 

"  Re-ka-ras !"  repeated  Gardner.  "  To  your  guns, 
men;  seize  them!" 

Old  Garro  stepped  away  with  an  accelerated  pace, 
and  two  only  of  the  Indians  were  arrested. 

Garro  stood  off  at  a  safe  distance,  and  demanded  the 
two  Indians. 

"You  can  not  have  them  until  you  bring  me  my 
horses,"  said  Gardner. 

"Then  we  will  have  the  tops  of  your  heads,"  threat- 
ened the  old  rascal. 

"  Yes,  you  would  have  the  tops  of  our  heads ;  but 
come  and  take  them,  if  you  can." 

They  rode  off,  taking  every  horse  that  Gardner  pos- 
sessed ;  and  if  he  had  not  been  on  the  alert,  they  would 
have  taken  a  few  scalps  as  well. 

These  were  the  two  prisoners  that  were  in  question 
when  we  rode  up.  They  had  bound  them  with  trap- 
chains,  and  were  in  the  act  of  throwing  them  into  a 
tremendous  log  fire  that  was  burning  in  the  camp. 
They  opened  the  logs  on  the  top  of  the  fire,  and,  swing- 
ing the  two  victims  into  the  flames,  rolled  back  the 
burning  logs.    There  was  a  terrible  struggle  for  a  mo- 


256 


AUTOBIOGIIAPHV   OF 


ment ;  then  all  was  still.  A  blue  flame  towered  high 
above  the  pile,  and  quickly  subsided.  j\Iy  Indians 
begged  the  privilege  of  scalping  them  before  they  were 
burned ;  but  Gardner  told  them  he  wished  to  burn  them 
up  clean.  "  You  are  going  after  their  companions," 
he  said,  "and  you  can  get  plenty  more  scalps." 

"Yes,"  they  replied,  "we  will  get  plenty,  and  bring 
your  horses  back  besides." 

I  really  felt  proud  of  my  warriors  in  seeing  them 
animated  with  so  true  a  spirit.  We  breathed  our 
horses  for  a  few  minutes,  for  they  were  in  a  perfect 
foam,  and  then  started  after  them  again  in  hot  pursuit. 

By  next  morning,  we  came  within  two  gunshots'  dis- 
tance of  the  enemy  without  being  perceived,  as  a  roll 
in  the  prairie  hid  us  from  their  view.  We  rested  for  a 
few  moments,  to  refresh  our  horses  and  prepare  them 
for  the  charge.  AVe  heard  a  continual  firing,  as  if 
kept  up  by  the  enemy,  and  then  a  terrific  explosion, 
which  made  the  earth  tremble ;  yells  of  the  savages 
succeeded  to  this,  and  I  then  learned  that  there  had 
been  a  battle  between  the  Indians  and  traders,  and 
that  the  whole  stock  of  the  traders'  powder  had  ex- 
ploded. 

Now,  thought  I,  is  the  time  to  charge ;  and  I  gave 
the  word  to  my  impatient  warriors.  We  were  among 
them  like  a  thunder-bolt,  even  before  they  had  time  to 
mount  their  horses ;  for  they  had  not  yet  recovered 
from  the  fright  of  the  explosion.  We  cut  down  one 
hundred  and  seventy-two  of  them  before  they  had  time 
to  fire  twenty  shots.  The  whole  force  of  the  enemy 
amounted  to  four  hundred  men,  and  those  who  remain- 
ed unhurt  scattered  in  all  directions.  We  did  not 
pursue  them,  as  our  horses  were  so  badly  jaded. 

Pine  Leaf,  who  charged  gallantly  by  my  side,  was 


JAMES   P.   BECKWOURTH. 


257 


wounded  with  a  bullet,  wliich  l^rnkc  her  left  arm  just 
below  the  elbow.  Placing  her  wounded  arm  in  her 
bosom,  she  grew  more  desperate  than  ever,  and  three 
of  the  enemy  met  their  death  from  the  point  of  her 
lance  after  she  received  her  wound.  Becoming  faint 
from  loss  of  blood,  she  was  constrained  to  retu'e.*  We 
had  twelve  others  wounded. 

AVc  recovered  all  our  own  horses,  and  recaptured 
those  belonging  to  Gardner,  besides  a  great  number  in 
the  possession  of  the  enemy.  For  spoils  we  gathered 
near  two  hundred  scalps,  and  a  vast  amount  of  fire- 
arms and  other  equipments.  After  this  signal  victory 
we  returned  to  Gardner's  camp,  reaching  there  the 
same  evening. 

Before  leaving,  however,  wc  took  three  blackened 
and  disfigured  bodies,  the  remains  of  the  trappers  who 
had  so  heroically  defended  themselves,  and  who,  to  all 
appearance,  had  blown  themselves  up  rather  than  fall 
into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  This  supposition  was 
waiTanted  by  the  appearance  of  the  ground.  Evident- 
ly the  savages  had  set  fire  to  the  grass  all  round,  think- 
ing to  burn  them  out;  but  it  had  not  reached  them. 
I  surmised  that  the  Indians  had  charged  on  them  in  a 
body,  and,  when  near  to  the  trappers,  had  been  scat- 
tered with  the  ignition  of  three  kegs  of  powder  in  the 
jjossession  of  the  trappers,  for  some  of  the  carcasses  of 
the  Indians  \Nerc  badly  scorched. 

Our  reception  at  the  camp  of  Gardner  was  enthu- 
siastic. *'  Beckwourth  and  his  brave  warriors  forever  I " 
rent  the  air  in  acclamations.    They  joined  us,  and  went 


was 


*  The  heroine's  arm  was  set  in  good  style  by  Dr.  Walton,  at  Gard- 
ner's camp,  and  in  a  few  weeks  it  was  sound  again.  The  Indians 
have  no  bone-setters  ;  when  their  bones  get  broken,  they  tic  them  up 
as  well  as  possible,  and  trust  in  Providence  for  the  result. 


258 


AUTOBIOGKAPHY    OP 


on  to  tlie  fort  with  us.  When  we  came  in  sight  of  the 
place  we  formed  all  in  line,  and  displayed  our  scalps 
on  the  ends  of  sticks,  and  discharged  our  guns,  and 
sung  at  the  top  of  our  voices.  This  brought  every 
person  out  of  the  fort  to  look  at  us.  We  then  opened 
our  column,  and  I  requested  Gardner  to  drive  all  tho 
horses  with  full  speed  to  the  fort.  Just  before  hv 
reached  there  we  spurred  our  horses  on  to  the  front, 
and  encircled  the  fort  several  times,  still  displaying  our 
scalps,  and  singing  the  scalp-dance  burden  louder  and 
louder,  while  all  the  occupants  of  the  post  joined  in. 
There  were  hilarious  times  round  the  fort  that  night. 

We  had  sent  word  to  the  village  to  summon  the 
Crows  to  the  trading-post,  to  help  us  mourn  for  the 
three  white  men  who  had  recently  been  killed  on  the 
ice,  and  who  were  yet  unburied.  I  omitted  to  mention 
in  proper  place  that  Glass's  body  was  found  near  the 
fort — probably  on  his  retreat  after  he  had  discovered 
the  Indians.  The  whole  village,  accordingly,  started 
to  join  us,  while  I  and  my  party  went  out  to  meet 
them  and  acquaint  them  with  our  success.  In  con- 
sideration of  my  distinguished  services,  I  was  elevated 
to  second  counselor  of  the  nation. 

We  met  them  about  a  day's  ride  from  the  fort,  and 
had  a  great  celebration  over  the  communication  of  our 
victory.  We  returned  together  and  buried  the  three 
men,  amid  the  most  terrible  scenes  that  I  had  ever 
witnessed.  The  crying  was  truly  appalling.  The  three 
men  were  well  known,  and  highly  esteemed  by  the 
Crows.  When  their  bodies  were  lowered  to  their 
last  resting-place,  numberless  fingers  were  voluntarily 
chopped  off  and  thrown  into  the  graves;  hair  and 
trinkets  of  every  description  were  also  contributed,  and 
the  graves  were  finally  filled  up. 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


2oy 


I  then  set  the  men  to  work  in  building  boats,  to 
carry  our  peltry  down  to  Fort  Union,  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Yellow  Stone,  whither  I  intended  going  as  soon  as 
the  river  was  free  from  ice.  When  completed,  I  put 
on  board  seven  hundred  packs  of  buffalo  robes — ten 
robes  in  each  pack — and  forty-five  packs  of  beaver.  I 
forwarded  orders  for  such  goods  as  were  wanted,  and 
also  word  for  another  clerk  in  the  place  of  poor  Rose, 
who  had  lost  his  life  in  the  service  of  the  company. 


i,,  and 

pf  our 

three 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Departure  from  the  Fort  with  the  Crows. — I  am  elected  First  Coun- 
selor of  the  Nation. — Death  of  the  head  Chief — I  am  appointed 
Successor. — Last  Moments  of  the  Chief. 

The  Indians  having  made  all  their  requisite  pur- 
chases, moved  on  to  the  Little  Horn  River,  six  or  eight 
days'  travel  from  the  fort.  We  encamped  here  for  the 
purpose  of  planting  t-^bacco,  which  is  done  by  the 
prophets  and  medicine  men ;  after  which  a  great  feast 
is  provided,  and  a  general  time  of  dancing  and  rejoic- 
ing follows. 

The  tobacco-plant  grows  spontaneously  in  the  Snake 
country,  but  it  is  cultivated  by  the  Crows  and  several 
other  tribes.  It  is  a  tolerably  good  substitute  for  the 
cultivated  species,  for  the  purpose  of  smoking,  but  it 
is  unfit  to  chew.  The  plant  very  closely  resembles 
garden  sage,  and  forms  into  heads  ^Mmiha*  to  the  do- 
mestic flax. 

At  this  camp  the  First  Counselor  made  a  speech  to 
the  warriors,  and  spoke  in  substance  as  follows: 
"Warriors!  Red  Bird  has  served  you  faithfully  many 
winters.    He  is  now  old.    He  can  be  young  no  more. 


2(50 


AUTOBIOGItAPUV    oF 


His  body  has  been  made  weak  by  the  numerous 
wounds  he  has  received  in  lighting  the  enemies  of  the 
Crows.  He  now  wishes  for  repose,  and  not  to  be  dis- 
turbed in  his  slumbers  by  being  called  into  the  coun- 
cil at  all  hours  of  the  night,  when  his  body,  once  so 
powerful,  now  requires  rest.  He  is  desirous  of  joining 
the  medicine  men,  that  he  will  not  be  compelled  to  go 
to  war ;  but  he  will  always  be  ready  to  defend  his  own 
village,  the  women  and  the  helpless,  and  to  give  up 
his  life  for  them.  Red  Bird's  medicine  in  the  war- 
path has  grown  weak ;  let  the  younger  warriors,  who 
are  brave  and  active,  have  an  opportunity  to  try  their 
medicine.  We  have  plenty  who  deserve  to  be  pro- 
moted, who  are  as  brave  as  the  she-bear,  and  as  swift 
as  the  anteloj^e.  Warriors,  I  now  give  up  my  position 
as  first  counselor.     I  have  done." 

Long  Hair  replied  as  follows : 

*'  lied  Bird,  we  feel  tliat  our  hearts  are  sorry  that 
you  have  seen  fit  to  cease  to  be  our  first  counselor, 
rou  have  served  our  people  long  and  faithfully.  Your 
counsel  has  been  good :  under  your  wise  direction  we 
have  prospered.  We  would  rather  that  you  had  still 
directed  us  ;  but  you  say  it  is  your  desire  to  have  re- 
pose. Be  it  so.  We  know  that  your  body  is  weak.  Wc 
know  that  you  have  received  numerous  wounds  fi-om 
the  weapons  of  our  enemies.  We  know  that  you  nev- 
er turned  your  back  upon  the  foe.  Now  we  need  a 
sixth  counselor,  and  must  select  one  from  the  braves 
here  present.     Will  you  name  him  for  us  ?" 

" No,"  said  the  old  man ;  "I  have  never  had  any 
enemies  among  my  braves,  and  I  do  not  wish  to  make 
them  now.  I  should  not  know  which  to  choose,  were 
I  to  attempt  it.     They  are  all  brave." 

It  was  at  length  resolved  that  one  of  the  medicine 


(( 


JAMES    P.  BECKWOITRTH. 


261 


men  should  be  blindfolded,  and  go  among  the  most 
distinguislied  braves,  and  whoever  he  first  placed  his 
Iiand  upon  should  take  his  seat  as  sixth  counselor. 
The  distinguished  braves  then  gathered  promiscuous- 
ly together ;  a  close  bandag^^  was  placed  over  the  eyes 
of  the  medicine  man,  and  away  he  went  among  the 
crowd.  The  five  counselors  being  among  the  braves, 
lie  placed  his  hand  on  one  of  them,  and  cried  out, 
"  Here  is  your  sixth  counselor." 

"You  are  ■wrong,"  said  Long  Hair;  "he  is  counselor 
already." 

He  then  went  through  the  crowd,  and  laid  his  hand 
upon  another  brave,  crying  out  as  before.  Long  Bow 
was  therefore  declared  to  be  the  choice  of  the  people 
for  sixth  counselor  of  the  nation.  When  the  seat  of 
the  first  counselor  falls  vacant,  the  others  are  elevated 
one  degree,  thus  leaving  the  lowest  station  vacant. 

The  village  now  crossed  the  Big  Horn  on  their  way 
to  Sun  River  Creek,  a  small  tributary  of  the  Yellow 
Stone.  At  Big  Horn  I  took  forty  warriors,  and  start- 
ed in  quest  of  Black  Feet  and  horses.  After  traveling 
two  days,  I  was  overtaken  by  the  head  chief,  A-ra-poo- 
ash,  with  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  warriors.  He 
was  evidently  chagrined  about  something.  Not  wish- 
ing him  to  go  to  war,  as  I  expected  nothing  less  than 
that  he  would  rush  in  and  throw  away  his  life,  I  told 
him  that  I  should  avoid  the  war-path,  that  my  medi- 
cine told  me  my  war-path  was  bad,  and  I  intended  to 
return  to  the  village.  I  started  forthwith,  and  he  fol- 
lowed me.  On  coming  in  sight  of  the  village,  we  halt- 
ed and  encamped  for  the  night. 

I  stole  away  in  the  night  with  seventy-five  warriors, 
and  made  for  the  enemy's  country,  hoping  that  the  old 
chief  would  return  to  the  village.     But  he  took  my 


262 


AUTUBKKJKAl'HY    OF 


trail  the  next  morning,  and  overtook  me  with  his  re- 
maining followers. 

He  advanced  to  me,  and  said,  "  Bloody  Arm,  you 
are  a  great  warrior ;  you  do  not  wish  me  to  go  to  war, 
but  I  will.  I  shall  never  return  to  the  village.  I  am 
going  to  die.  The  Crows  are  fools.  I  have  given 
them  good  counsel,  and  they  would  not  listen  to  my 
words.  I  have  fought  for  them  during  many  years. 
I  have  shed  much  blood  for  them.  I  have  tried  to 
make  them  a  great  people,  but  they  have  closed  their 
ears.  I  am  going  to  the  big  village  of  the  Great  Spir- 
it. If  you  do  not  wish  to  go  in  the  path  with  me,  you 
can  go  in  another  path ;  I  will  find  the  enemy  alone, 
and  die." 

When  he  had  finished  speaking,  he  dismounted. 
Then,  placing  the  edge  of  his  shield  on  some  buffalo 
chips,  he  said,  "  Warriors,  you  see  my  shield.  If  it 
rises,  I  shall  die  before  I  return  to  the  village ;  if  not, 
I  shall  return."  He  then  addressed  the  sun  for  some 
minutes,  after  which  he  took  his  lance  and  made  sev- 
eral motions  with  it.  Then,  giving  a  bound,  the  shield 
was  raised  as  high  as  his  head,  and  not  a  warrior  saw 
him  touch  it.  Then  every  one  present  believed  his 
words,  namely,  that  he  would  never  return  alive  to  the 
village.  I  knew  that  the  shield  must  have  some  ele- 
vating agency,  but  it  was  concealed :  my  attention  was 
so  riveted  upon  the  chief,  that  I  did  not  discover  the 
power  that  produced  the  seeming  miracle. 

The  scouts  now  ran  in  to  report  that  there  were 
fourteen  Black  Feet  but  a  short  distance  oflT,  wlio  were 
approaching  us  on  foot.  All  was  then  bustle  of  prep- 
aration for  a  moment,  and  the  trick  of  the  shield  was 
forgotten.  Away  we  sped  to  find  the  enemy.  We 
speedily  found  them,  and  they,  perceiving  escape  was 


.IAME.S    1'.    UKCKWOCHTH. 


263 


I  were 

I  were 

)rep' 


impossible,  prepared  to  sell  their  lives  as  dearly  as  they 
could. 

The  old  chief  was  the  first  to  charge  impetuously 
upon  the  scanty  foe ;  as  iiis  steed  plunged  through  them, 
he  cut  down  one  with  his  battle-axe ;  then,  wheeling 
and  again  passing  their  line,  he  clove  a  second.  Again 
turning  to  pass  the  enemy's  line  a  third  time,  he  had 
already  raised  his  arm  to  strike,  when  an  arrow  en- 
tered his  body  just  below  the  hip,  and  passed  clean 
through,  showing  itself  near  the  shoulder. 

Every  wcrrior  paused  in  astonishment  at  seeing 
their  chief  thus  fiiriously  engaged  ;  but  when  he  fell  a 
demon  seemed  suddenly  to  possess  them,  and  the  few 
surviving  Black  Feet  were  hewed  to  pieces  in  a  mo- 
ment. Every  warrior  gathered  round  the  dying  chief; 
his  life-blood  was  fast  draining  from  his  mortal  stroke. 

"Wari'iors,'*  he  said,  *' I  came  here  to  die.  Mv 
wish  will  soon  be  gratified.  A-ra-poo-ash  will  lead  you 
no  more  to  war.  My  home  will  soon  be  in  the  Spirit 
Land.  My  people  were  fools,  and  would  not  listen  to 
my  counsel.  Bloody  Arm,  come  to  me.  You  must 
now  take  the  place  of  A-ra-poo-ash.  You  are  brave 
t-nd  wise.  You  fight  the  enemy,  and  vanquish  them 
without  losing  our  own  warriors.  Your  medicine  is 
powerful.  Warriors,  listen  to  your  dying  chief!  You, 
Bloody  Arm,  are  the  only  brave  who  can  keep  the  na- 
tion together.  The  Crows  disobeyed  my  orders,  and 
I  did  not  like  to  punish  them  for  it.  I  loved  my  peo- 
ple too  well;  I  was  too  kind  to  them  for  their  own 
good.  I  was  too  indulgent.  They  all  fear  you,  and 
will  obey  your  words.  If  they  obey  you,  they  will 
increase  and  become  a  powerful  people,  as  I  have  wish- 
ed them  to  he ;  but  if  they  disobey  you,  they  will  not 
be  a  nation  two  winters  more.     Their  enemies  are 


264 


AlJTOU10(tKAl*JIV    OI' 


numerous  and  powerful,  and  tliey  will  rub  out  all  thf. 
Crows  unless  tlicy  hearken  to  what  you  say.  My  eyes 
grow  dim.  Red  Arm,  arc  you  listening  ?  I  can  not 
sec." 

"  I  am  listening  to  all  you  say,"  I  replied. 

"It  is  well.  Then  take  this  shield  and  this  medal; 
they  both  belong  to  you.  The  medal  was  brouglit 
from  our  great  white  father  many  winters  ago  by  the 
red-headed  chief.  When  you  die,  it  belongs  to  him 
who  succeeds  you.  Listen.  Tell  Nam-i-nc-dishce, 
the  wife  that  I  have  always  loved,  that  if  our  child, 
yet  unborn,  shall  be  a  son,  to  tell  him  who  his  father 
was.     lied  Arm,  listen." 

**  I  hcr.v  you,"  I  said. 

"Let  my  body  be  buried  under  this  spot.  Suffer 
no  warrior  to  make  a  track  on  this  war-ground  for  one 
season.  Then  come  and  seek  my  bones,  and  I  will 
have  something  good  for  you. 

"  I  can  hear  the  voice  of  the  Great  Spirit.  It  sounds 
like  the  moaning  of  the  mighty  wind  through  the  dark, 
gloomy  forest.  lie  calls  for  A-ra-poo-ash  to  come  to 
the  spirit  land.     I  must  go.     Re — mem — ber!" 

The  word  "remember"  expired  on  his  lips  as  his 
soul  winged  its  flight  to  the  spirit  land.  Every  war- 
rior (except  Yellow  Belly,  who  was  a  brother  of  the 
old  chief)  immediately  set  up  the  most  dismal  cryings 
that  I  have  ever  heard  in  my  life.  I  dispatched  a 
herald  to  the  village  to  inform  them  of  the  head  chief's 
death,  and  then  burying  him  according  to  his  direc- 
tions we  slowly  proceeded  homeward.  My  very  soul 
sickened  at  the  contemplation  of  the  scenes  that  would 
be  enacted  at  my  arrival.  When  we  drew  in  sight  of 
the  village,  we  found  every  lodge  laid  prostrate.  We 
entered  amid  shrieks,  cries,  and  yells.     Blood  was 


icd  a 
[hief's 
Idircc- 
soul 
would 
rlit  of 
We 
was 


iih.viii  (ir  A-:iA-ri>ii-.\-ii. 


jAMr.s  I'.  BECKwoi  irm. 


2<»; 


ptrcnming  iVoin  ovt'iy  concoivablo  part  ol*  the  bodies 
ot'  all  who  were  old  enough  to  comprehend  tluiir  loss. 
Hundreds  of  lingers  were  dismembered;  hair,  torn  i'rom 
the  head,  lay  in  profusion  about  the  paths;  wails  and 
moans  in  every  dircetion  assailed  the;  ear,  where  un- 
restrained joy  had  a  tew  hours  befon;  prevailed.  This 
fearful  mournin";  lasted  until  cveninu;  of  the  next  dav. 

Tiie  morning  following  I  ordered  the  removal  of  the 
village  in  the  direction  of  the  Hose  Jjud.  We  there 
built  a  council-lodge,  and  all  the  prophets  and  medi- 
cine men  in  the  village  were  assembled  in  it  on  its 
completion.  The  national  records  were  read  over,  and, 
after  a  lengthy  ceremony  performed  by  the  great  men, 
it  was  unanimously  declared  that  they  had  elected  nn; 
First  Counselor,  and  that,  conjointly  with  Long  Hair, 
I  was  head  chief  of  the  nation.  Which  lyvoninicla- 
iiiiento  was  recorded. 

It  then  devolved  upon  mc  to  deliver  my  inaugural  ad- 
dress.   As  nearly  as  I  can  recollect,  I  spoke  as  follows : 

"Brothers  and  warriors  I  The  great  A-ra-poo-ash 
is  no  more.  He  has  met  his  fiithcrs  and  kindred  who 
preceded  him  to  the  Spirit  Land.  lie  has  told  all  con- 
cerning you  that  yet  survive  on  earth.  lie  has  related 
your  deeds  of  bravery,  which  makes  the  spirits  rejoice; 
he  has  also  told  of  your  disobedience  to  your  chief, 
which  has  made  them  cry  and  become  dark.  The 
(ireat  Spirit  becomes  angry  at  you  when  he  sees  his 
lierocs  mourn.  But,  although  you  displeased  A-ra- 
poo-ash  by  disobedience,  and  made  his  heart  to  mourn, 
he  intercedes  for  you  there,  that,  if  you  now  obey  the 
chiefs  you  have  chosen  to  lead  you,  your  war-paths 
may  constantly  be  prosperous ;  your  buftUJo  and  bea- 
ver shall  always  abound,  and  you  may  become  a  great 
and  powerful  people. 


2(i.^. 


Al    lonKKJKAI'lIY    UK 


"•  I  am  now  your  great  chief.  It'  you  obey  what  1 
say  to  you,  1  can  make  you  all  you  wish  to  be.  lly 
jiiy  long  stay  with  the  whites,  1  possess  advantages 
wliieii  the  ehiel's  of  no  other  tribe  possess.  I  can  get 
twice  as  mueh  for  our  robes  and  beavers  as  you  evir 
got  before.  1  eame  back  to  you.  1  can  talk  to  our 
white  brethren,  and  they  understand  all  my  words. 
They  know  that  if  they  cheat  my  peojile  I  shall  findi 
it  out. 

*'  !My  medicine  tells  mc  that  wc  must  not  make  war 
on  our  enemies,  unless  tliey  first  kill  our  people  or  steal 
our  horses  :  we  nmst  then  attack  them  with  many  war- 
riors, so  that  we  may  run  no  danger  of  being  rubbed 
out.  1  shall  never  consent  for  our  nation  to  have  more 
than  two  villages  at  one  time.  Let  those  two  villages 
keep  their  warriors,  their  wives,  and  their  children  to- 
gether, and  not  subdivide,  when  they  arc  sure  to  be 
attacked  by  the  enemies.  When  our  village  is  united, 
no  enemy  will  ever  dare  to  attack  it. 

*'!My  brother.  Long  Hair,  is  a  very  great  brave,  a 
wise  chief,  lie  will  guide  one  village,  and  it  will  bo 
my  duty  to  guide  the  council  and  direct  the  other.  1 
want  all  my  warriors  to  lay  aside  the  battle-axe  and 
lance  for  a  season,  and  turn  their  attention  to  hunting 
and  trapping.  Our  streams  are  full  of  beaver,  as  also 
arc  our  prairies  with  buffalo.  Our  squaws  excel  all 
others  in  dressing  robes,  for  which  the  whites  pay  us 
a  great  price.  Then  let  us  get  all  the  robes  they  can 
dress,  and  not  keep  them  in  idleness  as  mere  play- 
things. If  we  keep  them  at  work,  they  will  be  heal- 
thy, and  strong,  and  brave,  when  they  become  warriors. 
They  can  also  buy  every  thing  they  require,  both  for 
themselves  and  their  children,  while  the  beavers  of  the 
Wfirriors  will  also  su])ply  onr  wants. 


JAMES    P.   HECKWOI'irni. 


2<)i) 


"  Warriors  I  How  can  wc  do  all  this,  it'  we  scatter 
over  the  country  in  numerous  little  villages,  subject 
to  continual  attacks  from  our  enemies,  who  will  cut  us 
oft',  a  few  at  a  time,  until  wc  are  all  rubbed  out  ?  No ; 
obey  me,  and  keep  yourselves  undivided  ;  and  if  ene- 
mies attack  us,  we  caii  kill  ten  of  them  when  they  kill 
one  Crow:  thus  my  medicine  says,  l^ut  if  you  dis- 
obey me,  and  will  not  hearken  to  my  Avords,  tlien  1 
.shall  surely  leave  you,  and  return  to  my  wlutc  friends, 
not  enduring  to  see  the  nation  become  weak,  and  fly- 
ing before  their  enemies,  and  our  women  and  chl'dien 
carried  into  captivity.  C)bcy  and  assist  me,  then,  and 
1  will  do  my  best  ir  your  behalf.  Warriors,  I  have 
done.'' 

This  oration  was  received  with  undisguised  approv- 
al, and  I  received  the  name  of  Ciood  War  Road. 

A  herald  having  been  dispatched  to  our  other  vil- 
lage to  acquaint  them  with  the  death  of  our  head  chief, 
and  request  them  to  assemble  at  the  Rose  ]5ud,  in  or- 
der to  meet  our  village  and  devote  themselves  to  a 
general  time  of  mourning,  there  met,  in  conformity 
with  this  summons,  over  ten  thousand  Crows  at  the 
place  indicated.  Such  a  scene  of  disorderly,  vociferous 
mourning  no  imagination  can  conceive,  nor  any  pen 
portray.  Long  Hair  cat  off  a  large  roll  of  his  hair,  a 
thing  he  was  never  known  to  do  before.  The  cutting 
and  hacking  of  human  flesh  exceeded  all  my  previous 
experience ;  fingers  were  dismembered  as  readily  as 
twigs,  and  blood  was  poured  out  like  water.  ]\Iany 
of  the  warriors  would  cut  two  gashes  nearly  the  entire 
length  of  their  arm ;  then,  separating  the  skin  from  the 
riesh  at  one  end,  would  grasp  it  in  their  other  hand, 
and  rip  it  asunder  to  the  shoulder.  Others  would 
carve  various  devices  upon  their  breasts  and  shoulders, 


I  t  irlf/j 


991 


270 


Al  TomoGKAI'lIV    OV 


and  raiso  llio  skin  in  the  same  manner,  to  make  tiic 
Hears  .show  lo  advantacre  aitcr  tlie  wound  wa.s  heaUHl. 
Solium  (tl'lhcir  nuitiiationH  were  ghastly,  and  my  heart 
sickened  to  look  at  them  ;  but  they  would  not  appt^ar 
lo  reeeive  any  pain  iVoni  tluMn. 

it  was  iVeipUMitly  asked  of  me  why  \  did  not  mourn. 
'.  told  tlieni  that  my  medieino  ibrbade  me  to  mourn  in 
fheir  manner,  hut  liiat  1  mourned  in  my  heart,  and  in 
paintint;  my  taee.  1  would  iVecjuently  represent  to 
ihem  liie  folly  of  maiming  themselves,  and  apj)eari!ig 
before  the  eyes  of  the  (ireat  Sjiirit  so  greatly  disfig- 
ured ;  but  I  lost  my  labor.  Hy  torturing  themselves 
their  ])agau  minds  su])posed  they  were  rendering  ae- 
eej)lable  saerilices  to  the  (Jreat  S})irit,  a!ul  performing 
penanee  for  olVenses  against  his  will,  it  was  ndigion ; 
and  to  interfere  with  their  received  opinions  would 
have  subjeeted  me  to  the  imjmtation  of  infidel,  and 
perhaps  have  entailed  upon  mc  expulsion  from  my 
hiilh  otliee. 

The  mourning  over.  I  selected  seventy  young  war- 
riors, and  started  out  in  search  of  feats  of  arms  (ac- 
cording to  their  custom),  to  prove  my  fortune  in  my 
new  otHce.  I  crossed  the  JMissouri  into  the  .Vs-ne-hoine 
country,  where  we  fell  in  with  fifteen  Indians  and  four 
<dd  wonuMi.  We  killed  them  all,  and  returned  home 
witli  their  scalps.  There  was  but  slight  rejoicing  on 
my  return,  on  account  of  our  recent  aHliction. 

I  should  have  mentioned  that  at  the  assembly  of 
our  two  villages  a  grand  council  was  held,  Avherein 
certain  princ'i])les  of  action  were  deliberated  and  ad- 
justed. On  the  death  of  a  chief  all  his  plans  die  witli 
him,  and  it  devolves  uj)on  his  successor  to  come  to 
an  understanding  with  his  confederate  head  chief.  In 
this  deliberation  it  is  determined  upon  what  rules  the 


with 
look 
for." 

on  to 
TJi 


.lAMKS    P.   HIK^KWUCHTir. 


271 


villages  shall  move,  which  direction  each  shall  take, 
and  wiiat  shall  be  the  relations  existing  betweini  them. 
There  is  generally  a  harmony  ]}reHerved  between  the 
cljiets,  and  nmcii  method  is  shown  in  the  preliminary 
adjustment  of  details.  Long  Hair  and  myself  were 
ilie  hest  of  friends,  and  my  allied  brother  was  the  elect 
10  the  office  of  Sixth  Counselor,  so  that  there  was  a 
promising  indication  of  unanimity  in,  our  administra- 
tion. 

The  villages  tlicn  separated,  w.ih  tin  understanding 
tliat  they  should  again  assemble  at  tiic  fort  in  one 
moon.  The  attention  of  the  nation  was  turned  to  trap- 
])ing  and  killing  hutialo,  and  the  stock  of  accumulated 
peltry  tiiat  fall  was  prodigious. 

When  I  started  on  my  excursion  to  the  As-ne- 
boines,  Pine  Leaf  begged  to  accompany  me.  Ilcr  arm 
was  far  from  sound,  and  I  refused  to  take  her.  How- 
ever, soon  after  I  had  left,  one  of  my  leader's  invaded 
tiie  Cheyenne  country,  and,  regardless  of  my  wishes, 
she  accompanied  the  expedition.  She  was  brought 
home,  as  all  supposed,  mortally  wounded.  A  ball  had 
penetrated  her  left  breast,  just  escaping  the  heart ;  it 
had  passed  through  her  body,  coming  out  at  the  shoul- 
der-blade, and  tearing  away  a  portion  of  it  in  its  exit. 
On  seeing  her  in  this  pitiable  condition,  I  resigned  all 
liope  of  her  recovery.  "  So  much,"  said  I,  "  for  dis- 
regarding my  counsel.  I  would  not  allow  you  to  go 
with  me,  in  consideration  of  your  wound ;  but  you 
took  advantage  of  my  absence,  and  now  you  arc  done 
for." 

"Well,"  she  replied,  "I  am  sorry  that  I  did  not  list- 
on  to  my  chief;  but  I  gained  two  coob'.^^ 

The  party  accompanying  her  lost  four  warriors, 
wounded  in  rescuing  her,  and  saving  her  scalp.     She 


272 


AUTumoaJiAI'HY    UF 


event ually  recovered,  but  it  was  a  long  while  before 
she  could  aj^ain  go  to  war.  The  Cheyennes  were  de- 
feated in  the  end,  with  the  loss  of  three  scalps,  which 
were  brought  into  camp. 

The  two  villages  met  at  the  time  appointed  at  the 
fort,  anil  disposed  of  all  their  ])eltry.  A  ]\Ir.  'I'uUeck 
was  sent  up  as  clerk,  and  to  liim  I  intrusted  full  clmrgc 
of  the  fort,  promising  him  the  ])rolectlon  of  tiie  Crows 
for  the  winter,  as  1  intended  that  one  of  our  villages 
should  take  up  tlieir  Avintcr  rjuarters  in  his  vicinity. 
I  was  at  this  time  salaried  by  the  American  Fur 
Company  at  tln-ce  thousand  dollars  ])er  amnnn,  to  reside 
with  the  Crows  and  })roeure  tiieir  trade  for  the  com- 
pany. 

Our  whole  nation  tlien  crossed  the  VeUow  Stone, 
and  moved  on  to  ]\Lusscl  Shell  Kiver,  whence  we  pur- 
posed to  go  and  gather  the  remains  of  our  late  iiead 
chief,  as  the  tinui  he  had  specitied  for  their  removal 
had  arrived.  The  Indians  count  four  seasons  in  the 
yeiir ;  namely,  green  grass,  yellow  grass,  leaf  falling, 
and  snow  falling.  Our  ])arty  destined  to  collect  the 
bones  consiste(l  of  seven  or  eight  hundred  ]iersons  of 
both  se\es.  On  arriving  at  the  gTave,  we  discovered  a 
new  Indian  trail  ])assing  directly  over  the  spot,  and  we 
started  in  innnediate  pursuit.  After  a  march  of  six 
miles,  we  eanie  upon  a  ]?lack  J^'oot  village  of  twenty- 
seven  lodges,  who  were  returning  from  the  trading-posi, 
having  made  extensive  ])urchases.  .Vt  sight  of  them, 
every  warrior's  breast  kindled  with  revenge,  they  re- 
mem))ering  the  fall  of  their  chief.  AVe  charged  furi- 
ously upon  them,  killing  and  taking  prisoners  about 
one  hundred  and  tifty  of  their  ]iarty.  While  the  war- 
riors were  engaged  in  the  attack,  our  women  attacked 
the  Black  Foot  wonien,  and  killed  many  of  them  and 


JAMES    I'.   HKCKWOlirril. 


27:i 


their  children  before  wcr  coiihl  interfere  to  stop  it.  Wo 
rijitnred  (juite  a  iminl)er  of  yonnjjj  woin<'n  and  little 
boys,  with  an  almndance  of  horses,  \veaj)oiis,  annninii- 
tion,  scarlet  cloth,  beads,  and  sundri(>s.  We  did  not  re- 
ceive a  scratch,  as  wo  attacked  them  with  snch  over- 
Avhelniing  nnmbers  that  they  ottered  tritlinf]^  resistance, 
their  chief  endeavor  being  to  save  themselves  by  flight. 

We  took  np  the  body  of  our  chief  and  returned  with 
it  to  the  camp.  Then  there  was  aiiother  cerenionv  of 
cutting  and  maiming,  and  a  body  of  two  luindre(l  lodges 
was  sent  to  deposit  the  remains  in  the  burin  1-ground 
of  the  chief's  ancestors.  Wiiile  this  party  were  away 
on  their  mission,  those  who  remained  with  us  busied 
themselves  in  collecting  the  various  sorts  of  fruit  \vith 
which  the  conntrv  abounded. 

I  now  received  my  last  name — for  T  was  on  the  })in- 
nacle  of  my  fame,  and  they  could  ennoble  me  no  far- 
ther— Nan-kup-bah-pah  (Metliciue  (Jalf). 

After  tarrviuLi"  about  tiiree  weeks,  we  returned  to  the 
fort,  where  avc  again  spent  a  short  time,  and  then  pro- 
ceeded to  the  liig  Horn,  where  w(5  had  engaged  to  meet 
Bear's  'J'ooth,  who  had  the  condu(!t  of  the  burial  party. 

While  we  were  resting  at  the  fort,  a  small  i)arty  of 
twent^'-three  warriors,  led  by  Little  (Jray  Ibdl,  stole 
t'rom  our  camp  at  night,  unknown  to  tlie  chiefs,  and 
when  at  a  safe  distance  sent  vis  word  that  they  were 
going  to  the  Cheyenne  country  in  pursuit  of  spoils. 
Thev  were  the  r/Jta  of  our  i)arty,  the  brdves  des  braves. 
Not  one  of  that  devoted  band  ever  returned.  What 
fate  befell  them  remains  to  be  shown. 

M  2 


274 


ALTOBIOGRAPIIY   OP 


CHAPTER  XTX. 

Departure  from  tho  Fort. — Arrival  of  Fitzpatrirk  ami  Party  at  the 
Crow  \'ill;i<rc. — llair-hroadth  I-^scapc  from  a  Massacre. — Rescue  and 
Restoration  of  Property  to  the  Owners. — Departure  of  tlic  Party. — 
My  Return  to  tlie  Fort. — Escape  from  Black  Feet. — Defeat  of  the 
Crows. 

AViiiLE  stnying  at  our  camp  on  tho  Big  TTom,  a  mos- 
soncior  nrrivod  Avitli  the  intelligence  that  Tiionias  Fitz- 
patrick  was  back  upon  the  mountain,  and  tiiat  he  wished 
me  to  visit  him  without  loss  of  time.  ^ly  ati'airs  were 
In  such  a  })osition  that  I  could  not  possibly  leave,  but 
I  sent  my  father  and  two  of  my  best  warriors  to  escort 
liim  into  the  village.  The  next  morning  they  returned 
with  Fitzj)atrick  and  party,  to  the  number  of  thirty- 
live  men,  and  over  two  hundred  horses.  They  en- 
camped a  short  distance  out.  I  visited  the  camp,  and 
was  received  with  a  cordial  welcome.  I  was  intro- 
duced to  a  Captain  Stuart,  an  English  officer,  who  had 
figured  conspicuously,  as  I  was  informed,  under  the 
Iron  Duke,  and  was  now  traveling  the  Far  West  in 
})in*suit  of  adventure ;  also  to  a  Dr.  Harrison,  a  son  of 
the  hero  of  Tip})ecanoe,  and  to  a  Mr.  Brotherton,  with 
several  other  gentlemen,  who  were  all  taking  a  pleasure 
excursion. 

AMiilc  sitting  in  their  quarters,  I  observed  some  of 
the  Crows  looking  very  wistfully  at  the  horses  belong- 
ing to  our  new  friends.  Knowing  that  tho  moi^t  incor- 
riiptiblc  of  Indians  have  a  moral  weakness  for  horses, 
I  ordered  some  of  my  taitliful  Dog  Soldiers  to  Avatch 
them.     I  then  invited  the  gentlemen  to  the  village, 


JAMES    I'.    liKCKWOrRTH. 


275 


wliicli  invitation  thoy  readily  accoptod.  The  visitors 
left  at  ail  early  hour,  but  Fitzpatrick  remained  to  talk 
matters  over  until  (piite  late  in  the  eveiiini;'.  1  oiVered 
him  a  hed  in  my  lodge,  but  he  preferred  sleeping  in  his 
own  (piarters. 

Shortly  after  his  arrival,  P^itzpatrick  incidentally 
mentioned  that  the  Chevennes  had  killed  an  entire 
party  of  Crows  (but  he  omitted  all  mention  of  the  ]>art 
his  men  had  taken  in  the  massacre),  and  that  one  of 
his  men  had  been  wounded  in  the  aflair.  lie  had  also 
a  horse  that  had  belonged  to  one  of  the  fallen  heroes, 
purchased  by  him  of  the  Cheyennes.  Had  he  ac- 
quainted me  with  this  circumstance  when  he  tirst  saAV 
me,  the  very  unpleasant  ser|uel  that  1  am  about  to  re- 
late vvould  have  been  avoided. 

One  of  the  Crew  braves  was  son  to  a  member  of  the 
party  massacred,  and  he  recognized  his  late  father's 
horse.  This  discovery  had  occasioned  the  scrutiny 
which  I  had  remarked  early  in  the  evening,  but  the 
cause  of  which  I  was  in  utter  ignorance.  On  the  re- 
tiring of  Fitzpatrick  I  lay  down  for  the  night.  I  had 
not  fallen  asleep,  when  the  murdered  brave's  son  en- 
tered my  lodsxc,  and  addressed  me :  '*  ^Medicine  Calf, 
what  must  wc  do  with  these  white  incnV" 

"  What  must  you  do  with  them  V"  repeated  I,  not 
apprehending  his  meaning. 

"Yes,  I  say  so." 

*'  Why,  take  them  into  your  lodges  and  feast  them, 
and  give  them  beds  to  sleep  on,  if  they  wish  it." 

*'  No,  no,  that  is  not  what  I  mean,"  he  said  ;  "you 
know  these  are  the  white  men  who  killed  my  father. 
They  have  his  horse  here  with  tlieni,  and  a  wounded 
man — wounded  in  their  light  with  the  Crows."' 

He  then  left  me  to  go,  as  T  supposed,  to  liis  lodge, 


27<) 


ALTOlJIOUUArilY    (iF 


and  I  thoiiglit  no  more  of  the  matter.  I  soon  fell 
asleep,  and  woke  no  more  till  morning.  On  awaking, 
I  heard  a  great  rush  or  trampling  of  horses,  and,  spring- 
ing out  of  bed,  1  inquired  of  a  squaw  what  was  tin; 
matter  in  the  village. 

"Why,  don't  you  know  the  whites  arc  all  deadV" 
she  made  reply. 

"The  whites  are  all  dead  I"  repeated  I,  thunder- 
struck. 

1  ran  out  and  ordered  my  war-horse  to  be  got  ready 
in  a  moment.  1  next  ran  to  the  lodge  where  Winters 
slept,  and  found  it  filled  with  Crows.  1  asked  what 
all  this  uproar  meant. 

"  1  don't  know,"  said  he  ;  "  I  have  wished  to  go  to 
your  lodge  to  see  you,  but  they  would  not  lot  me  h^ave. 
They  have  been  clamoring  about  Thoma?. — Thomas — 
Thomas,  all  night." 

At  this  moment  Fitzpatrick  rode  up,  with  an  Indian 
behind  him. 

"  Fitz,"  said  I,  "  what  in  the  name  of  God  does  all 
this  mean  ?     Where  are  your  men  V" 

"  They  are  all  dead,  1  expect,  by  this  time,"  said  he, 
blankly;  "and  I  presume  you  have  sent  for  me  to 
nuirder  me  at  your  own  discretion." 

"  Wh^n  did  you  leave  them  ?  Were  they  alive  when 
you  left  them  ?" 

"  They  were  going  down  the  river,  and  a  thousand 
Indians  in  hot  pursuit  after  thei.i,"  he  said. 

"  ( io  over  to  my  father's  lodge,"  I  said  to  him,  "  and 
stay  till  1  return." 

I  then  mounted  my  war-horse,  being  well  armed, 
and  addressed  my  father:  "I  am  mc'\d,"  I  said;  "I 
am  going  to  die." 

He  gave  the  war-hoop  so  loud  tliat  my  earn  fn irly 


(( 


.lAMr.S    I'.    UKCKWOrRTII. 


277 


tingled,  as  a  signal  tor  my  relatives  to  follow  inc. 
Tiicy  gathered  round.  *'  Uo,"  said  he,  "and  die  witli 
liie  ^ledieine  Calt." 

On  1  dashed,  in  mad  career,  tor  six  or  seven  mile:s 
along  the  bank  of  the  river,  until  1  came  in  sight  of 
the  men.  I  seemed  to  have  traveled  the  space  in  the 
same  number  of  minutes,  for  the  horse  flew  with  light- 
ning speed  upon  his  errand.  He  dropped  dead  be- 
neath me ;  in  his  prodigious  exertions  he  had  burst  u 
blood-vessel. 

I  ran  forward  on  foot,  shouting  to  Fitzpatrick's  men, 
"Ilun  to  nic!     Run  to  me  (juicklyl*' 

They  heard  me,  and  hesitated  at  my  summons.  At 
length  one  started,  and  the  others  followed,  running  at 
their  utmost  speed  toward  nic.  A  hill  rose  on  each 
side  the  river,  closing  together  and  arching  over  the 
stream,  at  a  short  distance  in  advance  of  the  party 
when  I  arrested  their  steps.  In  this  pass  the  Crows 
Iiad  taken  their  position,  intending  to  massacre  the 
party  as  they  attempted  to  force  their  passage. 

As  they  reached  me,  I  serried  them  around  mo,  the 
Crows  charging  from  the  hills  upon  us  at  the  same 
lime.  1  now  saw  my  band  of  relatives  and  friends  ap- 
proaching us  from  the  village.  As  the  exasperated 
Indians  came  surging  on  toward  us,  I  advanced  toward 
them,  and  ordered  them  to  desist. 

Tliey  arrested  their  course  :  '*  What  do  you  want  ?" 
they  asked  ;   "  do  you  wish  those  whites  to  live  V 

'-After  you  have  killed  mc,*'  1  said,  "you  can 
march  over  my  dead  body  and  kill  them,  but  not  be- 


fore." 


They  then  wheeled,  and  fell  in  with  my  party  of  rela- 
tives, who  were  fast  arriving  and  encircling  the  whites. 
I  then  requested  each  man  to  mount  horse  behind  my 


27H 


AITOIUOnUAI'IIV    OF 


rclativos,  and  return  with  us  to  the  village.  AH  did 
HO  except  Stuart.  I  requested  liim  also  to  mount. 
"  No,"  said  he,  *'  I  will  get  on  behind  no  d — d  rascal ; 
rind  any  man  that  will  live  with  such  wretches  is  a 
d — d  rascal." 

"  1  thank  you  for  your  compliment,"  I  returned : 
"but  I  have  no  lime  to  attend  to  it  here." 

"Captain  Stuart,"  said  Charles  A.  Wharfield,  after- 
^*ward  colonel  in  the  United  States  army,  **  that's  very 
unbecoming  language  to  use  at  such  a  time." 

"  Come,  come,  boys,"  interposed  Dr.  Harrison,  "  let 
us  not  be  bandying  words  here.  Wc  will  return  with 
them,  whether  for  better  or  for  worse." 

After  I  had  mounted  the  party,  I  borrowed  a  horso 
of  one  of  my  warriors,  and  led  them  back  to  the  vil- 
lage. For  temporary  safety,  I  deposited  the  party  in 
my  father's  lodge. 

Fitzpatrick  inquired  of  me,  "Jim,  what  in  the  name 
of  God  are  you  going  to  do  with  us  ?" 

"  I  don't  know  yet,"  I  said ;  "  but  I  will  do  the  best 
possible  for  you." 

I  then  called  the  Dog  Soldiers  to  me,  and  command- 
ed them,  together  with  the  Little  Wolves,  to  surround 
the  village,  and  not  suffer  a  single  person  to  go  out. 
They  all  repaired  to  their  stations.  I  next  took  fifty 
faithful  men,  and  made  a  thorough  search  throughout 
the  village,  beginning  at  the  extreme  row  of  lodges. 
By  this  means  I  recovered  all  the  goods,  once  in  the 
possession  of  Fitzpatrick,  in  good  condition,  except  his 
scarlet  and  blue  cloths,  which  had  been  torn  up  for 
blankets  and  wearing  apparel,  but  still  not  much  in- 
jured for  the  Indian  trade.  I  also  recovered  all  his 
horses,  with  the  exception  of  five,  which  had  been 
taken  to  Bear's  Tooth's  camp.     I  had  the  goods  well 


.lAMKS    P.    HK("KWOIIMII. 


279 


out. 

fit'tv 

cliout 


111  the 
)t  liis 
p  for 
|h  in- 
11  his 
[been 
well 


.socurcd,  and  a  stroncr  iruard  of  inv  rtdativcs  i)lac(Ml  over 
thcni. 

Tlio  rcador  may  pcrhap.^  iikjuIvc  wliat  rostraincd  tho. 
infuri.atcd  Crown  from  molesting  the  rcsc\ied  party  on 
their  way  to  tlio  viUagc.  Simply  tliis  :  when  an  In- 
dian has  anotlirr  one  mounted  beliind  liim,  tlw,  .su]>po- 
sition  is  tliat  ho  has  taken  liiin  prisoner,  and  is  con- 
ducting him  to  Jiead-quartcrs.  While  thus  j)lacod,  the 
Indian  having  Inm  in  charge  is  responsible  witli  his 
hie  for  his  security ;  if  he  fails  to  protect  him,  him- 
scH'  and  all  his  kindred  are  disgraced  ;  an  outrage  \ipon 
tlic  prisoner  is  construed  into  pusillanimity  on  the  part 
of  the  custodian.  Prisoners  are  also  safe  wliilc  in  cus- 
tody in  the  village ;  their  inviolability  is  then  trans- 
t'crred  to  the  responsibility  of  the  chief.  This  is  In- 
dian morals. 

T  was  informed  subsequently  that  the  Englishman, 
as  soon  as  he  approached  me,  cocked  his  gun,  intend- 
ing to  shoot  me.  It  was  well  for  him,  as  well  as  his 
party,  that  he  altered  his  mind ;  for,  if  he  had  harmed 
me,  there  would  not  Iiavc  been  a  piece  of  him  left  the 
size  of  a  five-penny  bit.  I  was  doing  all  that  lay  in 
my  power  to  save  the  lives  of  the  party  from  a  parcel 
of  ferocious  and  exasperated  savages;  his  life  depended 
by  the  slightest  thread  over  the  yawning  abyss  of 
death ;  the  slightest  misadventure  would  have  proved 
fatal.  At  that  moment  he  insulted  me  in  the  grossest 
manner.  The  language  that  he  addressed  to  me  ex- 
torted a  look  of  contempt  from  me,  but  I  had  not  time 
for  anger.  I  was  suspected  of  complicity  with  the  In- 
dians, or,  rather,  of  having  instigated  the  iiendish  plot. 
No  man  of  common  sense  could  entertain  such  a  sus- 
picion, when  he  sees  the  part  I  took  in  the  aflair.  Had 
I  conspired  the  tragedy,  I  had  but  to  rest  in  my  bed 


IMAGE  EVALUATrON 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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I.I 


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112.0 


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7: 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


I 


0^ 


280 


AUTOBlOGRAPItY    OF 


until  tliG  deed  was  consummated.  Every  man  would 
have  been  killed,  and  no  one  but  the  conspirators  liavc 
known  tlicir  fate.  To  be  sure,  I  was  in  the  service  of 
the  American  Fur  Company,  and  Fitzpatrick  was  trad- 
ing upon  his  own  accourit; ;  but  that  could  afford  no 
motive  to  conspire  his  death.  I  had  not  the  faintest 
objection  to  his  selling  every  thing  he  had  to  the  Crows. 
But  they  had  nothing  to  buy  with  ;  they  had  disposed 
of  all  their  exchangeable  commodities  but  a  short  time 
since  at  the  fort.  Further,  I  was  personally  acquaint- 
ed with  Fitzpatrick,  with  whom  I  never  had  an  ill  word ; 
and  some  of  liis  party  stood  high  in  my  regard.  Dr. 
Harrison,  if  only  for  his  noble  father's  sake,  I  would 
have  defended  at  the  risk  of  my  own  life.  They  were 
all  bound  to  me  with  the  ties  of  hospitality,  and  I  have 
yet  to  hear  of  any  action  committed  by  me  that  would 
warrant  the  assumption  of  such  deep  perfidy.  I  have 
been  informed  that  Captain  Stuart  offered  one  thousand 
dollars  to  a  certain  individual  to  take  my  life.  I  can 
hardly  think  the  charge  is  true,  for  the  individual  thus 
said  to  be  bribed  has  had  many  opportunities  of  earn- 
ing his  reward,  and  still  I  am  alive. 

After  the  goods  were  secured  and  the  horses  brought 
up,  it  was  discovered  that  Captain  Stuart's  horse,  a  fine 
iron-gray,  was  missing.  It  was  traced  to  the  posses- 
sion of  High  Bull,  a  very  bad  Indian,  and  I  was  in- 
formed that  he  had  declared  he  would  kill  tho  first  man 
that  should  come  after  him.  Stuart  valued  his  horse 
highly,  as  well  he  might,  for  he  was  a  noble  animal ; 
he  was,  therefore,  very  anxious  to  obtain  him.  Fitz- 
patrick had  acquainted  Stuart  that  I  was  the  only  per- 
son in  the  nation  that  could  procure  the  horse's  resti- 
tution. 

Accordingly,  he  visited  me,  and  said,  '*  Mr.  Beck- 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTIi. 


281 


,voultl 
i  have, 
ice  of 
trad- 
»r(I  no 
lintcst 
^rows. 
5poscd 
•t  time 
[uaint- 
word ; 
.     Dr. 
would 
y  were 
I  have 
;  would 
I  have 
ousand 
I  can 
J  tlms 
earn- 


Drouglit 
3,  a  tine 


yas  m- 
st  man 
s  horse 
animal ; 
Fitz- 
ily  per- 
s  resti- 

'.  Beck- 


Avourth*'  (he  mistered  me  that  time),  '*can  you  get  my 
liorse  for  me  ?" 

I  replied,  "  Captain  Stuart,  I  am  a  poor  man  in  the 
service  of  the  American  Fur  Company,  to  sell  their 
goods  and  receive  the  peltry  of  these  Indians.  The  In- 
dian who  has  your  horse  is  my  best  customer;  he  has 
a  great  many  relatives,  and  a  host  of  friends,  whose 
trade  I  shall  surely  lose  if  I  attempt  to  take  the  horse 
from  him.  Should  the  agent  hear  of  it,  I  should  be  dis- 
charged at  once,  and,  of  course,  lose  my  salary." 

"  Well,"  said  he,  *'  if  the  company  discharge  you  for 
that,  I  pledge  you  my  word  that  I  will  give  you  six 
thousand  dollars  a  year  for  ten  years." 

**  Captain  Stuart  is  a  man  of  his  word,  and  able  to 
perform  all  he  promises,"  said  Fitzpatrick. 

"  Well," replied  I,  "I  will  see  what  I  can  do." 

I  then  dispatched  an  Indian  boy  to  II.' gh  Bull  with 
the  message  that  I  w  anted/ tho  gray  horse  he  had  in 
his  possession.  The  boy  delivered  his  message,  and 
the  Indian  retorted  with  a  *'  Ugh!"  which  startled  the 
boy  almost  out  of  his  skin,  and  he  came  bounding 
back  again,  saying  the  Indian  was  mad. 

In  a  short  time  High  Bull  came  riding  his  horse,  and 
said,  "  Medicine  Calf,  did  you  send  for  this  horse  ?" 

"I  did." 

"Well,  here  he  is." 

"  Take  him  back,"  I  said,  "  and  keep  him  safe  until 
I  send  for  him." 

Stuart  was  wonder-stricken  at  this  proceeding,  as 
our  discourse  was  unintelligible  to  him. 

"If  I  could  get  my  hand  on  that  horse's  neck,"  he 
said,  "  the  whole  village  should  not  get  him  away  from 
me. 

I  was  annoyed  at  this  braggadocio,  and  was  glad 
the  Indinns  did  not  understand  him. 


282 


AUTUBIOGKAl'llY    OF 


Fitzpatrick  requested  Captain  Stuart  to  remain  quiet, 
saying,  "•  Beckwourth  has  passed  his  word  to  you  tiiat 
you  shall  have  your  horse.  He  will  he  forthcoming 
when  you  want  him." 

The  next  morning  they  prepared  to  leave  the  vil- 
lage. The  horses  were  all  packed,  and  every  thing  iu 
readiness. 

*'  Am  I  to  have  my  horse?"  said  Captain  Stuart. 
"He  will  be  here  in  a  moment,  sir,"  said  I. 
High  Bull  then  rode  the  horse  up  to  the  party  and 
dismounted,  giving  me  the  reins. 

"  Now,  sir,  you  can  mount  your  horse,"  said  I,  de- 
livering him  into  his  owner's  possession. 

He  mounted,  and  the  party  started.  I  took  one 
hundred  and  fifty  of  my  choice  Dog  Soldiers,  and  es- 
corted them  a  distance  of  fifteen  miles.  Before  leaving 
them,  I  cautioned  Fitzpatrick  to  keep  on  his  journey 
for  three  days  without  stopping  to  encamp.  I  told 
him  that  the  Indians  Avere  exasperated,  and  the  two 
villages  were  together,  and  it  was  not  in  my  power  to 
keep  them  from  following  them.  I  ■  -*  apprehensive 
they  would  dog  them  a  considerable  distance,  but  that 
a  three  days'  journey  would  place  them  in  safety. 

Instead  of  following  my  advice,  he  encamped  the 
following  afternoon.  Within  an  hour  after  his  delay, 
almost  all  his  horses  were  taken  by  the  Indians,  not 
leaving  him  enough  to  pack  his  goods.  I  afterward 
learned  that  Stuart  saved  his  gray  horse.  I  saw  the 
Crows  had  r-iade  free  with  my  friends'  horses,  for  I 
saw  several  of  them  about  the  village  &absequently. 
However,  I  was  satisfied  I  had  done  my  duty  ;  1  could 
not  have  done  more  to  my  own  father  cr  brother. 
Still  my  life  was  sought  after,  and  my  character  base- 
ly assailed. 


(( 


JAALKS    r.    JVKCKWOrUTH. 


2S-^ 


[uict, 
L  that 

c  vil- 


ng  111 


art. 
iy  and 
I,  dc- 

)k    OIK' 

^nd  cs- 


eavuig 


Tlic  fate  of  the  Crow  waniors  I  will  mention  epi- 
sodically here,  as  I  gatheied  it  from  Fitzpatrick,  and 
afterward  from  the  Cheyennes. 

The  party  had  encamped  between  two  villages,  hav- 
ing the  Clieycnnes  on  one  side  and  the  Siouxs  on  the 
other.  They  were  in  utter  ignorance  of  their  danger- 
ous proximity.  ]5eing  quickly  discovered  by  one  of 
the  enemy,  he  returned  and  alarmed  his  village,  and 
dispatched  a  messenger  to  the  neighboring  village  ; 
and  in  a  few  moments  our  small  band  was  surround- 
ed by  a  force  of  fifty  times  their  number.  Their  ^  >- 
sition  was  a  strong  one,  being  chosen  in  a  deep  hollov/ 
or  gully.  They  received  the  assault  with  unflinch- 
ing intrepidity,  and  fought  until  they  were  all  exter- 
minated except  their  chief — they  killing  thirty-four  of 
their  foes.  The  chief  seemed  to  wear  a  charmed  life  ; 
neither  lead  nor  arrows  could  harm  him.  He  advanced 
from  his  position  and  tantalized  his  foes.  He  invited 
them  to  come  and  kill  him,  saying  that  the  scalps  of 
liis  enemies  made  his  lodge  dark,  and  that  he  had  rid- 
den their  horses  till  he  was  tired  of  riding.  They  were 
filled  with  admiration  of  his  daring.  They  told  him 
he  was  too  great  a  brave  to  be  killed ;  that  he  might 
go,  and  they  would  not  hurt  him. 

"  No,"  said  he,  pointing  to  his  dead  companions ; 
"  you  have  killed  all  my  warriors  ;  they  have  gone  to 
the  land  of  the  Great  Spirit ;  now  kill  me,  so  that  I 
may  go  with  them.  I  am  the  Little  Gray  Bull ;  come 
and  kill  me.  I  ask  not  to  live.  My  heart  disdains  your 
ofters  of  mercy.  My  brothers  and  friends  will  avenge 
my  death." 

He  would  frequently  advance  toward  his  swarming 
enemies  ;  as  he  approached,  they  retired.  He  then  re- 
turned towai'd  his  dead  companions,  and  again  defied 


284 


ArTOBlOailAPlIY    OF 


them  to  coinc  and  kill  him.  He  was  eventually  shot 
down,  probably  by  a  bullet  tiiea  by  one  ol'  Fitzpat- 
rick's  men,  who,  being  encamped  with  the  Cheyennes, 
had  joined  them  for  the  sport  of  shooting  Indians. 
There  were  two  small  boys  in  the  party  of  Crows,  who 
went  as  moccasin-carriers.  They  were  taken  prison- 
ers, and  placed  behind  two  warriors  to  be  conveyed  to 
the  village.  While  on  the  way  thither,  each  drew  liis 
knife  and  plunged  it  into  the  body  of  his  custodian, 
each  killing  his  man.  The  little  fellows  were  cut  to 
pieces  in  an  instant,  which  was  their  own  choice,  rath- 
er than  to  be  captive  to  the  enemy. 

When  I  returned  from  escorting  Fitzpatrick,  I  in- 
formed the  Crows  of  the  fate  of  their  party ;  but  I  with- 
held all  mention  of  the  participation  of  the  whites. 
Thereupon  ensued  another  dreadful  time  of  mourning. 

When  I  parted  from  Fitzpatrick  and  party,  they  all 
appeared  very  grateful  for  thei^*  deliverance,  and,  if 
they  had  not  lost  their  horses  when  they  encamped,  t 
presume  they  never  would  have  entertained  other  but 
friendly  feelings  toward  me. 

Shortly  after  this  occurrence  we  held  a  grand  coun- 
cil relative  to  certain  national  affairs.  I  then  again 
})roceeded,  taking  Winters  and  four  warriors  with  mo. 
When  we  had  approached  within  a  mile  of  the  fort,  1 
happening  to  be  considerably  in  advance  of  the  party, 
in  ascending  a  small  hill,  when  near  the  summit,  I 
peered  carefully  over,  and  discovered  a  party  of  Black 
Feet,  not  more  than  three  hundred  yards  distant,  sit- 
ting by  the  roadside,  smoking  their  pipes.  I  drew 
back  my  head,  for  I  saw  one  Indir.n  coming  directly 
upon  me,  and  motioned  my  men  to  a  ravine  close  by. 
Then,  dismounting,  I  crept  back  to  the  brow  of  the  hill, 
and  lay  down  flat  until  the  Indian's  head  came  within 


JAMKS    l».    IU;(WvWULKTH. 


28r» 


f  shot 
tzpat- 
ennes, 
dians. 
s,  who 
Di'ison- 
yccl  to 
■ew  hi.; 
todiaii. 
cut  to 
3,  rath- 

c,  I  iii- 
I  with- 
whites. 
arning. 
hey  ail 
land,  if 
mped,  I 
•er  but 

coun- 


agaiu 


sight.  I  aprang  instantly  to  my  feet,  and  shot  him 
dead.  In  less  than  a  niinu':c  I  had  his  scalp ;  ran 
back  and  mounted  my  horse  ;  then,  riding  to  the  sum- 
mit of  the  hill,  I  displayed  the  scalp  to  the  Indians, 
who  were  advancing  at  their  topmost  speed.  As  soon 
as  they  saw  me  they  turned  and  fled,  thinking,  no 
doubt,  that  I  had  a  strong  force  lying  in  wait.  I  rode 
on  and  overtook  my  party,  and  we  reached  die  fort 
without  molestation  or  pursuit.  About  two  hours  aft- 
er, the  Indians  presented  themselves  before  the  fort, 
and  challenged  us  to  come  out  and  light.  We  hoist- 
ed the  scalp  I  had  just  taken  in  answer  to  the  invita- 
tion. I  consider  we  may  thank  my  acquired  habit  of 
caution  for  our  escape,  for,  had  the  Indian  surprised 
us  instead  of  my  surprising  him,  it  is  more  than  prob- 
able that  every  one  of  us  would  have  been  killed. 

We  were  detained  at  the  fort  tor  the  space  of  eight 
days,  on  account  of  the  numbers  of  the  Black  Feet 
prowling  about.  They  finally  left,  and  as  soon  as  we 
were  satisfied  that  the  way  was  clear,  we  loaded  ten 
pack-horses  with  goods,  and  Winters  and  myself — 
taking  two  men  each — returned  to  the  Crow  village. 
The  villages  had  separated  during  our  abser  e ;  Long 
Hair  and  his  village  having  taken  one  direction,  and 
mine  having  taken  another.  W^inters  took  Long  Hair's 
trail,  with  the  goods ;  I  followed  my  village  through 
the  Bad  Pass,  and  overtook  it  at  Black  Panther  Creek. 
I  then  went  on  to  Wind  River,  trapping  and  hunting 
very  successfully  all  the  way,  the  journey  occupying 
about  a  month.  We  went  into  winter  quarters  under 
Wind  River  jMountain,  at  the  mouth  of  Po-po-on-che 
(Long  Grass  Cre^^k).  Here,  after  gathering  a  sufficient 
v|uantity  of  buffalo  and  elk  horns,  we  supplied  our- 
selves with  a  laro-e  outfit  of  line  new  bows.     The  horns 


28() 


AITTOniOdKAPHY    iW 


arc  tiirown  into  hot  springs  which  abound  in  that  re- 
gion, wlicrc  they  arc  kept  until  they  are  perfectly  nial- 
hibie ;  they  arc  then  taken  out  and  straightened,  and 
cut  into  stri})s  of  suitable  width.  It  takes  two  buffalo 
horns  to  niaivc  a  bow  of  sufficient  length.  Tliey  arc 
pieced  in  the  centre,  and  riveted  ;  then  they  are  bound 
strongly  at  the  splice  with  sinew.  Bows  made  of  this 
material  are  equaled  by  none  other  except  those  mad'; 
from  the  horn  of  the  mountain  sheep. 

While  we  were  encamped  here,  numerous  small  par- 
ties of  Crows  went  to  war  without  leave,  and  in  almost 
every  instance  were  defeated ;  on  some  excursions  they 
WQi'd  entirely  destroyed.  One  party,  consisting  of 
thirty-nine  warriors,  led  hy  the  Constant  Bird,  a  great 
war-chief,  went  to  the  ]Mack  Foot  country,  and  evciy 
one  of  them  was  killed.  They  had  killed  and  scalped 
one  of  the  enemy,  whom  they  met  alone,  and  again 
journeyed  on,  when  they  came  suddenly  upon  a  whoh^ 
village  of  Black  Feet,  ana  were  themselves  instantly 
discovered.  To  save  themselves  they  resorted  to  an 
ingenious  device,  which  certainly  offered  fair  to  save 
them.  On  being  discovered,  instead  of  retreating,  they 
kept  on  and  entered  the  enemy's  village,  pretending 
they  came  with  authority  to  conclude  a  peace.  The 
Indians,  putting  faith  in  their  mission,  concluded  peace 
ficcordingly.  While  thus  engaged  proposing  terms 
and  smoking  cozily,  one  of  the  l^lack  Foot  squaws  stolo 
a  sack  belonging  to  them.  After  the  departure  of  the 
Crows,  the  sack  was  examined,  and  among  its  contents 
was  found  the  identical  scalp  they  had  taken  a  short 
time  previously.  Raising  the  war-hoop,  the  Black 
Feet  assembled  in  great  numbers,  and,  making  imme- 
diate pursuit  after  the  Crows,  they  overtook  them,  and 
massacred  every  one.     This  intelligence  was  brought 


JAMES    P.  nECKWOrUTII. 


2.S( 


lat  re- 
T  mal- 
lI,  and 
juli'alo 
ey  arc 
bound 
of  this 
i  mad". 

all  par- 
almost 
ns  they 
ting  of 
a  great 
tl  evciy 
scalped 
(1  again 
a  whole 
istantly 
to  an 
to  save 
ig,  they 
ending 
,      The 
d  peace 
vr  terms 
ws  stole 
c  of  the 
ontcnts 
a  short 
3  Black 
g  imnic- 
ein,  and 
brought 


by  express  from  Fort  !Maria,  the  HKack  Foot  trading- 
post,  to  Fort  Cass,  the  Crow  trading-post.  On  re- 
ceipt of  this  intelligence,  there  was  another  general 
Fcenc  of  mourning  and  vowing  vengeance.  I  used  all 
the  arguments  that  I  could  frame  to  prevent  these  mis- 
chievous guerilla  expeditions,  bui  they  would  steal  oil' 
in  the  night  in  spite  of  my  entreaties  or  my  denuncia- 
tions, and  I  did  not  like  to  resort  to  punishments. 

Several  of  the  Iiigli  functionaries  incpiired  of  me  to 
what  cause  1  attributed  such  repeated  disasters.  J 
answered  as  follows:  "Warriors!  the  causes  arc  clear 
enough.  i\Iy  medicine  tells  me  the  causes.  Firstly, 
you  robbed  my  white  friends,  stealing  their  horses 
away,  and  even  attempting  to  take  their  lives  when 
they  were  under  my  protection,*  and  when  you  knew 
It  grieved  my  heart  to  have  wrong  done  to  them.  A 
second  cause :  you  are  continually  acting  contrary  to 
the  wishes  of  A-ra-poo-ash,  who  went  to  the  Spirit  Land 
on  account  of  your  disobedience.  I  have  also  express- 
ed the  same  wishes  to  you,  telling  you  to  apply  your- 
selves to  collecting  skins,  in  order  to  liave  the  where- 
with to  purchase  the  things  that  you  need.  These, 
my  orders,  are  openly  disobeyed,  and  the  Great  Spirit 
is  very  angry  with  the  nation  for  their  thieving,  and 
disregard  of  the  orders  of  their  head  chief." 

They  then  inquired  what  they  should  do  to  appease 
the  wrath  of  the  Great  Spirit.  I  answered  again  : 
"  Warriors !  to  appease  the  just  anger  of  the  Great 
Spirit,  you  must  discontinue  your  war-parties,  and  re- 
main peaceably  at  home  for  one  moon.  You  can  then 
prepare  a  great  sacrifice,  and  do  penance  for  that  time, 
and  let  the  Great  Spirit  see  that  you  really  repent  the 
evil  you  have  committed.  By  so  acting,  you  may  re- 
cover the  favor  which  the  Great  Spirit  has  evidently 


2.SS 


ACTOIMOOUAIMIY    Ol' 


witlidrawn  from  you  ;  by  continuing  in  your  obstinat  • 
ways,  you  Avill  assuredly  be  rubbed  out  as  a  nation." 

The  saeriliees  that  they  oiler  on  such  occasions  arr 
curious.  One  sacrilice  is  made  by  shaving  the  mane, 
and  tails  of  some  of  their  best  war-horses,  and  paint- 
ing* on  their  bodies  a  rude  delineation  of  the  sun. 
'i'hey  then  turn  them  out,  but  never  drive  them  away: 
and  if  they  follow  the  other  horses,  it  is  a  sure  sign 
that  the  Great  Spirit  is  following  them  also. 

I  had  become  so  sickened  with  their  constant  mourn- 
ing, which  was  kept  up  through  the  whole  village  da}- 
and  night,  that  I  determined  to  take  a  small  party  and 
see  if  I  could  not  change  the  face  of  affairs.  Accord- 
ingly, I  raised  fifty  warriors,  and  started  for  the  Chey- 
enne village,  near  the  site  of  the  present  Fort  Laramie. 
The  first  night  we  encamped  on  the  Sweet  Water  lliv- 
er.  The  morning  ensuing  was  clear  and  cold,  and  wc 
started  across  a  plain  twenty  miles  wide,  with  neither 
trees  nor  bushes  in  the  whole  distance.  Across  this 
plain  was  a  mountain,  which  I  wished  to  reach  that 
night,  in  order  to  provide  ourselves  with  fire-wood  and 
have  a  warm  camp.  When  we  had  traversed  this 
desert  about  midway,  a  storm  came  on,  which  is  called 
by  the  mountaineers  a  Poo-der-ee.  These  storms  have 
proved  fatal  to  great  numbers  of  trappers  and  Indians 
in  and  about  the  Rocky  Mountains.  They  are  com- 
posed of  a  violent  descent  of  snow,  hail,  and  rain,  at- 
tended with  high  and  piercing  wind,  and  frequently 
last  three  or  four  days.  The  storm  prevented  our  see- 
ing the  object  for  which  we  were  directing  our  course. 
We  all  became  saturated  with  the  driving  rain  and 
hail,  and  our  clothing  and  robes  were  frozen  stiff;  still 
we  kept  moving,  as  we  knew  it  would  be  certain  death 
to  pause  on  our  weary  course.     The  winds  swept  with 


JAMK.S    1'.  BK^KWO"KTH. 


289 


?tinat-' 
tion." 
)ns  art' 
niaiic.; 

paint- 
.0    sun. 

away : 
.re  sign 

mourn- 
agc  day 


irresistible  violence  across  the  desert  prairie,  and' we 
could  sec  no  shelter  to  j)rotect  us  from  the  freezing 
blast.  Kventually  we  came  to  a  large  hole  or  gully, 
irom  eighteen  to  twenty  feet  deep,  wliich  had  been 
made  by  the  action  of  water.  Into  this  place  wc  all 
huddled,  and  were  greatly  protected  from  the  wind. 
Being  exhausted  with  our  exertions,  we  wrapjxsd  our- 
selves as  well  as  we  could  in  our  frozen  robes,  and 
lay  down.  How  long  wc  lay  there  I  could  form  no 
idea.  When  I  attempted  to  stir,  it  required  the  exer- 
cise of  all  my  strengtli  to  free  myself  from  the  mass 
of  snow  tliat  liad  fallen  upon  me  while  asleep.  I  saw 
that  if  we  tarried  there  it  would  be  inevitable  death  to 
us  all,  and  it  was  still  storming  furiously.  I  aroused 
my  second  in  command,  named  "A  Heap  of  Dogs," 
and  told  him  that  we  must  arouse  ourselves  and  bestir 
our  warriors,  or  we  should  all  perish. 

"  No,"  said  he ;  "  it  is  too  painful ;  let  us  stay  here 
and  all  die  together." 

I  told  liim  that  I  should  go  at  all  risks,  and  made  a 
spring  thereuj)on,  he  laying  himself  down  again.  1  had 
not  proceeded  much  more  than  three  hundred  yards 
when  I  came  upon  a  gulch,  or  dry  creek,  in  which  was 
a  drift  pile  composed  of  a  large  accumulation  of  dry 
wood.  I  made  an  opening  and  crawled  in ;  then  strik- 
ing tire,  I  got  it  v/ell  burning,  and  returned  to  my  per- 
ishing warriors  to  relate  my  discovery.  They  arose 
and  shook  off  the  loose  snow  from  their  robes,  and  es- 
sayed to  proceed.  But  many  of  them  were  so  weak 
and  stiffened  that  they  could  but  craAvl  along.  After 
getting  thawed  and  comfortably  warmed  before  a  blaz- 
ing tire,  I  found  there  were  two  of  our  party  missing. 
I  returned  with  two  or  three  others  to  search  for  them, 
and  we  had  to  dig  away  the  snow  to  arrive  at  them : 

N 


290 


ArTomOC^KAPHY    OF 


Init  tlio  vital  Ppark  had  flod — tlicy  wrro  stiff  in  doatli. 
Wo  Htaid  l)V  our  fins  wliicli  increased  in  Imdv  and 
waniifli,  for  two  days,  by  wliieli  time  the  storni  iiavin^ 
Hiihsidcd,  we  returned  liome.  Thv  relatives  of  tim  lost 
waiTiors  made  a  great  mourninui;  for  them,  while  the 
friends  of  those  who  returned  with  me  showered  pres- 
ents and  hlessin^H  u])on  me  for  having  been  instru- 
mental in  saving  their  kinsmen's  lives. 

It  was  a  time  of  intense  cold.  Our  whole  party 
were  more  or  less  frostbitten;  my  face  and  cars  were 
severely  frozen,  and  were  sore  for  a  long  time.  The 
wild  buffalo  approaclied  so  near  to  our  fire  that  we 
could  shoot  them  without  stirring  from  onr  seats.  As 
an  excuse  for  my  ill  success,  I  infomied  the  Crows  that 
the  wrath  of  the  CJreat  Spirit  was  not  yet  appeased. 

Soon  after  this  catastrophe,  I  informed  my  people 
tliat  1  wished  to  wander  solitary  for  a  space,  to  mourn 
for  my  two  waiTiors  who  had  perished  in  the  snow. 
My  real  intention  was  to  get  to  the  fort,  and  thus 
have  a  respite  from  the  unceasing  crying  and  howling 
that  was  kept  up  throughout  the  village.  On  making 
my  intention  kno^vn,  two  white  men,  named  Mildmm 
and  Cross,  who  were  staying  in  our  village,  desired  to 
accompany  me.  We  started  accordingly,  taking  one 
squaw  with  us  as  servant.  On  our  second  day  out, 
we  were  surprised  by  a  party  of  two  hundred  and  fifty 
Black  Feet.  We  took  shelter  in  a  thicket  of  willows, 
resolved  to  make  a  brave  stand,  and  sell  our  lives  for 
all  they  were  w  orth.  The  squaw  showed  herself  a  val- 
uable auxiliary  by  taking  good  care  of  our  horses,  six 
in  number,  and  building  us  a  little  fort  of  sand,  behind 
which  we  stood  in  great  security,  watching  our  enemies 
as  they  ever  and  anon  made  their  appearance.  We  were 
thus  invested  for  thirty-six  hours,  the  Indians  hover- 


JAMES    r.    FlKCKWorUTII. 


21)  I 


V  and 
lavin}; 
10  lost 
ilo  the 
I  prc!S- 
instvu- 

»  party 
rs  were 
..     The 
that  we 
ts.     Ap 
)ws  that 
:;asccl. 
f  people 
0  niourn 
le  snow. 
n6 


mrf  about,  and  losinp;  one  of  tlieir  nunil)er  at  ovcxy  dis- 
cliargo,  witliout  darin<jj  to  rush  in  nj)on  us,  which  had 
tiiey  ventured  upon  wouhl  liave  ])roved  our  incvitaitU^ 
destruction.  We  were  situated  so  ch)sc  to  tiie  river 
that  we  could  be  supplied  with  water  at  all  times  by  the 
S(juaw  without  incurring  danger. 

The  second  night,  our  besiegers,  having  wearied  of 
tlieir  exertions,  gave  us  comparative  repose.  Availing 
ourselves  of  the  lull,  wc  nuiiHed  our  horses'  feet  with 
our  capotes,  cut  to  pieces  for  tlie  purpose,  and,  stealing 
gently  down  the  slope  of  the  bank,  wc  forded  the  shal- 
low stream,  and  made  the  best  of  our  way  home.  We 
went  whooping  and  galloping  at  full  speed  into  the  vil- 
lage, displaying  nineteen  sca'ps  on  various  ])arts  of  our 
liorses.  Our  victorious  return  created  the  most  thrill- 
ing sensation  throughout  the  village.  Every  face  was 
washed,  the  scalp-dance  was  performed  (the  first  time 
for  two  months),  and  the  hilarity  was  universally  in- 
dulged in.  The  Great  Spirit's  wrath  was  appeased, 
the  tide  had  turned  in  favor  of  the  Crows,  and  a  con- 
tinuation of  victory  was  predicted  from  this  brilliant 
achievement. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

Excursion  to  the  Fort— -Arrival  of  Long  Hair's  Village. — Building  ol' 
a  new  Medicine  Lodge. — Triumphant  Entrance  of  my  little  Wife 
into  the  Lodge. — Attack  on  the  Crow  Village  by  the  Siouxs. — Meet- 
ing of  the  two  Crow  Villages. — Visit  of  the  Grovans. — Visit  to  the 
Grovans  and  Fort  Clarke. 

A  PARTY  of  nine  trappers  happening  to  call  at  the 
village  on  their  way  to  the  fort,  among  whom  was  my 
old  friend  Harris,  I  proposed  to  accompany  them.  We 
started,  and  reached  the  fort  witliout  accident,  except 


2i).2 


AUTOHIOORAPHY    OF 


sustaininp;  another  siogc  from  the  Black  Yart.  After 
oiu'  (l('|)arture,  tlie  whok)  village  followed  to  pm'chase 
tluiir  s})ring  supply  of  necessaries  at  the  fort.  They 
hronglit  an  immense  stock  of  peltry,  with  which  they 
pm'chased  every  thing  that  they  stood  in  need  of. 

Abont  a  week  aft(>r  our  arrival,  the  other  Crow  vil- 
lage, under  Long  I  [air,  encani})ed  without  the  fort,  all 
of  them  deep  in  mourning.  The  same  ill  luck  had  at- 
tended tliem  in  their  excursions  as  we  had  sutfered,  and 
eighty  warriors  had  fallen  without  one  gleam  of  suc- 
cess. I  availed  myself  of  this  opportunity  to  impress 
upon  the  miiids  of  Long  Hair  and  his  followers  that 
the  c  ase  of  their  misfortune  was  owing  to  the  conduct 
of  the  Crows  toward  Fitzpati-ick  and  his  party,  which 
representation  they  all  lirmly  believed. 

When  the  two  villages  had  linished  their  trading, 
we  all  moved  back  to  the  Big  Horn,  where  we  con- 
structed a  new  medicine  lodge  for  the  medicine  men, 
prophets,  and  dreamers  to  prophesy  and  hold  their  de- 
liberations in.  These  lodges  are  erected  every  year — 
the  first  moon  in  May ;  the  whole  tribe  is  assembled 
at  the  festival,  and  the  ceremonies  are  continued  for 
seven  days.  Before  the  poles  are  raised,  the  medicine 
men  select  from  the  assembled  multitude  a  warrior 
whom  they  deem  qualified  to  assume  the  functions  of 
a  medicine  chief  The  man  they  select  is  compelled 
to  serve ;  no  excuse  that  he  can  frame  is  accepted  as 
valid.  He  is  then  taken  to  a  lodge-pole  and  lashed  to 
one  end ;  an  eagle's  wing  is  placed  in  each  hand,  and 
a  whistle  (similar  to  a  boatswain's)  placed  between  his 
lips.  Thus  equipped,  he  is  hoisted  a  distance  of  forty 
feet,  until  the  pole  assumes  its  perpendicularity  and 
is  adjusted  in  its  proper  place,  liaising  the  first  pole 
is  analogous  to  laying  the  first  stone.     The  first  one 


ther 

drf 

virt^ 


JAMES    P.    BECKWOURTH. 


293 


^fter 
hase 
rhey 
they 

V  vil- 
•t,  all 
id  at- 
1,  and 
['  suc- 
ipress 
3  that 
)nduct 
which 

•ading, 

re  con- 
men, 

icir  de- 

|year— 
imbled 
led  for 

edicinc 
kvarrior 

ions  of 
pelled 
ted  as 
shed  to 
,d,  and 
een  his 
of  forty 
ty  and 
|rst  pole 
irst  one 


being  hoisted,  abundance  of  others  are  raised  into  their 
places,  until  the  whole  space  is  inclosed.  They  are 
then  covered  with  green  buffalo  hides,  descending  to 
within  six  feet  of  the  ground,  the  inclosure  being  left 
open  at  the  top.  About  one  hundred  and  twenty 
hides  are  generally  required  for  the  purpose,  and  a 
space  is  thus  obtained  capable  of  holding  from  seven 
to  eight  hundred  persons. 

I  was  the  subject  selected  on  this  occasion ;  and 
when  I  was  raised  upon  the  pole  in  the  manner  I  have 
just  described,  the  officials  declared  that  I  wasi  raised 
solely  by  the  elevating  power  of  my  wings,  whence 
they  inferred  that  my  medicine  was  very  powerful. 

When  the  lodge  is  completed,  the  medicine  men  and 
other  functionaries  assemble  the  most  distinguished 
braves  within  the  building  for  a  rehearsal  of  their 
achievements  and  an  enumeration  of  tlieir  coos.  Each 
brave  then  gives  an  account  of  his  exploits  thus  :  "  T 
killed  one  or  more  Cheyennes  (as  the  case  may  be)  on 
such  a  day,  in  such  a  place,  and  took  such  and  suci?. 
spoils.  You  know  it.  Crows."  The  medicine  chief 
then  exhibits  his  marks,  pronounces  the  warrior's 
statement  correct,  and  confirms  it  by  his  record. 
This  ratification  each  warrior  passes  through,  and 
there  is  seldom  any  discrepancy  between  his  statement 
and  the  record.  Sham  battles  are  then  fought  in  il- 
lustration of  the  manner  in  which  the  different  trophies 
were  acquired,  the  rehearsal  reminding  the  civilised 
spectator  of  a  theatrical  representation,  only  that  in 
this  case  the  performance  is  more  in  earnest. 

This  examination  gone  through  with,  the  lodge  ii: 
then  prepared  for  the  medicine  men,  prophets,  and 
drf  mers  to  go  through  the  ceremony  of  initiating  a 
virtuous  woman.     The  members  of  the  conclave  en- 


294 


AUTOBIOGIcAPHY   OP 


dure  a  total  abstinence  from  food  and  water  for  seven 
dajs  previous  to  the  ceremony,  unless  any  one  faints 
from  exhaustion,  in  which  case  some  slight  nourish- 
ment is  afforded  him. 

The  warriors  are  then  drawn  up  in  two  lines,  *'  in- 
ward face,"  a  few  feet  apart,  and  the  female  Ct^ndidate 
for  "  holy  orders"  presents  herself  at  the  lodge  door. 
She  harangues  them  when  she  iirst  presents  herself, 
and  then  marches  between  the  extended  lines  of  the 
dusky  warriors.  Here  is  the  fearful  ordeal.  If  she 
has  ever  been  guilty  of  any  illicit  action,  her  declara- 
tion of  innocence  is  refuted  by  a  dozen  voices,  a  thou- 
sand bullets  riddle  her  body  in  a  moment,  and  her 
flesh  is  hacked  into  morsels. 

This  is  the  fearful  war-path  secret.  It  will  be  re- 
membered that  my  little  wife  had  resolved  to  dedi- 
cate herself  to  mis  service ;  when  only  a  child  she  had 
determined  upon  entering  the  medicine  lodge.  On 
this  occasion  she  was  candidate  for  admission.  Slie 
came  to  me  to  be  dressed  for  the  ceremony  ;  she  was 
robed  in  her  best  attire,  and  I  painted  her  as  the  cus- 
tom prescribes. 

The  warriors  are  in  line,  and  the  Sanhedrim  in  read- 
iness. The  herald  announces  that  Nom-ne-dit-chee 
(The  One  tliat  Strikes  Three),  wife  of  the  head  chief, 
JVIedicine  Calf,  offers  herself  for  election.  Intense  ex- 
citement prevails  through  the  assembly  as  her  name 
is  pronounced,  and  it  is  re-echoed  through  the  lines 
of  the  warriors.  She  presented  herself  at  the  door  of 
the  lodge,  and  calmly  met  the  concentrated  gaze  of 
thousands.     A  breathless  silence  prevailed. 

She  commenced  her  address.  "  Can  it  be  said  that 
there  are  no  virtuous  women  among  the  Crows  ?  Can 
it  be  true  that  our  medicine  men  can  not  make  medi- 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


295 


3veii 
lints 
risli- 


"  in- 
itiate 
door, 
irself, 
)f  the 
i  she 
clara- 
thou- 
d  her 

"be  re- 
1  dedi- 
he  had 
.  Oil 
She 
le  was 
le  cus- 

n  read- 
it-chee 
chief, 
nsc  ex- 
r  name 
lines 
Joor  oi' 
raze  of 


le 


aid  that 
?    Can 
medi- 


cine, nor  our  prophets  propliesy,  nor  our  dreamers 
dream,  because  so  few  of  you  are  virtuous  ?  Oh  wom- 
en! it  is  shameful  to  you  to  be  so  faithless.  Our 
nation  is  disgraced  because  of  your  conduct,  and  the 
Crows  will  soon  cease  to  be  a  people.  The  Great 
Spirit  is  angry  with  you,  and  has  brought  disgrace 
upon  our  warriors  on  account  of  your  evil  practices. 
<  )ur  prairies  will  become  wastes  like  yourselves,  pro- 
ducing no  good  thing;  and  our  buffalo  will  bellow  at 
you,  and  leave  the  hunting-grounds  of  the  Cro\,'S,  and 
go  to  the  country  of  a  more  virtuous  people." 
Then  addressing  the  warriors,  she  continued : 
"Warriors!  I  have  this  day  volunteered  to  carry 
tlie  sand,  the  wood,  and  the  elk-chips  into  the  lodge. 
You  are  brave  warriors,  and  I  hope  your  tongues  are 
not  crooked.  I  have  seen  our  women  attempt  to  do 
it,  and  they  have  been  cut  to  pieces.  I  am  now  about 
to  try  it  myself.  Before  I  start  for  the  materials  at 
the  other  end  of  your  extended  lines,  if  there  be  a  war- 
rior, or  any  other  man  under  the  sun.  who  knows  any 
thing  wrong  in  me,  or  injurious  to  my  virtue,  let  him 
speak.  I,  too,  am  ready  to  go  to  the  spirit  land,  for 
there  is  one  there  who  knows  me  innocent  of  the  bad 
deeds  which  disgrace  the  women  of  our  country." 

She  then  passed  with  a  firm  step  between  the  lines 
of  the  warriors  to  the  sand.  Taking  the  bowl,  she 
dipped  a  small  quantity,  and  returned  with  it  to  the 
lodge,  and  then  made  two  other  trips  for  the  wood  and 
elk-chips.  Returning  for  the  third  time,  she  received 
the  vociferations  of  the  assembled  multitude.  The 
functionaries  came  forth  to  meet  her,  and  passed  their 
liands  over  her  head,  shoulders,  and  arms,  extolling 
lier  to  the  skies,  and  proclaiming  there  was  one  virtu- 
ous woman  in  the  Crow  nation.     She  was  then  pre- 


296 


ArrOBIOCiRAPHY    OF 


sented  with  my  medicine  shield  hy  the  great  medicine 
chief,  to  preserve  and  carry  for  me,  no  one  but  myseh" 
having  authority  to  take  it  from  her. 

I  trembled  while  she  was  passing  this  perilous  or- 
deal, and  its  triumphant  termination  filled  me  with  de- 
light. She  was  a  gu-1  of  superior  endowments,  and,  if 
they  had  heen  fostered  by  a  Christian  education,  I 
know  no  woman  who  would  surpass  her  in  worth,  ele- 
gance, or  attainments.  Had  she  ever  failed  in  her 
conduct,  it  would  have  been  thundered  in  her  ears 
when  she  stooped  to  gather  the  sand,  and  a  cry  would 
have  arisen  that  she  was  polluting  the  medicine  of  the 
nation.  If  the  candidate  is  killed  during  the  inau- 
guration ceremonies,  nothing  more  is  done  in  the  same 
medicine  lodge :  it  is  immediately  torn  down,  and  the 
tribe  moves  to  some  other  place,  where  it  builds  anoth- 
er lodge,  and  the  same  observances  are  again  gone 
through  with. 

In  the  mean  while,  women  are  engaged  cooking  and 
preparing  a  siunptuous  feast  of  every  thing  in  season. 
All  kinds  of  meats  and  dried  berries,  variously  cooked, 
are  spread  before  the  partakers,  which  includes  all  who 
can  obtain  seats,  except  the  medicine  men,  prophets, 
and  dreamers.  Their  fast  continues  for  seven  days, 
during  which  time  their  inspiration  is  continually  mov- 
ing them.  There  are  plenty  of  warriors  in  attendance 
to  convey  messages  and  execute  orders,  like  deputy 
sheriffs  in  a  justice's  court ;  and  as  fast  as  an  ordinance 
is  dreamed  out,  prophesied  upon,  and  medicined,  the 
instructions  are  delivered  to  the  messengers,  and  away 
they  start,  one  party  in  this  direction,  and  one  party  in 
another,  to  communicate  the  instructions  and  execute 
orders. 

While  we  were  yet  at  the  lodge,  a  deputation  of 


JAMES   l.    BECKWOURTH. 


29: 


iciiie 
^selt" 

Ls  or- 
;h  de- 
nd,  if 
ion,  I 
li,  ele- 
n  her 
r  ears 
would 
of  the 
1  inau- 
e  same 
.nd  the 
anoth- 
n  gone 

ng  and 
season, 
cooked, 
all  who 
ophets, 
n  days, 
y  mov- 
ndance 
deputy 
dinance 
Led,  the 
d  away 
arty  in 
execute 

Ition  of 


about  a  dozen  Grovan  warriors  came  to  solicit  our  as- 
sistance against  tlie  Chcyonncs  and  Siouxs,  who  liad 
made  a  combined  attack  upon  them,  killing  about  four 
hunched  of  their  warriors.  In  reply  to  the  application, 
wc  told  them  that  we  had  lost  many  warriors  during 
the  past  winter,  and  that  we  must  avenge  our  own  men 
first ;  but  that  we  would  go  and  sec  them  in  the  course 
of  the  sunmicr,  and  hold  a  conference  with  them  on  the 
subject. 

There  are  two  bands  of  the  Grovans :  the  Grovans 
of  the  Missouri,  which  the  Crows  sprung  from,  and 
whose  language  they  speak,  and  the  Grovans  of  the 
prairie,  who  form  a  band  of  the  Black  Feet.  The  Gro- 
vans of  the  Missouri  were  then  a  weak  tribe  or  band, 
having,  by  their  incessant  wars  with  the  suiToundiixg 
tribes,  been  reduced  to  a  very  insignificant  number  of 
warriors.  When  the  Crows  separated  from  them,  the 
nation  wa^  deemed  too  numerous.  This  separation 
was  eflfecteci,  according  to  their  reckoning,  above  a  cen- 
tury since.  Those  Grovans  and  the  Crows  have  al- 
ways been  on  very  friendly  terms,  and  even  to  this  day 
consider  themselves  descend:mts  of  the  same  family. 
They  do  not  move  about,  like  many  wandering  tribes, 
but  remain  stationary  and  cultivate  the  ground.  Their 
lodges  are  built  of  poles,  filled  in  with  earth ;  they  are 
spacious,  and  are  kept  comparatively  neat. 

I  would  here  remark  that  the  name  "  Crow"  is  not 
the  correct  appellation  of  the  tribe.  They  have  never 
yet  acknowledged  the  name,  and  never  call  themselves 
Crows.  The  name  was  conferred  upon  them  many 
years  ago  by  the  interpreters,  either  through  their  ig- 
norance of  the  language,  or  for  the  purpose  of  ridicul- 
ing them.  The  name  which  they  acknowledge  them- 
selves by,  and  they  recognize  no  other,  is  in  their  lan- 

N2 


298 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


guago,  Ap-sah-ro-kee,  whicli  signifies  the  Sparrowhawk 
peo[)k\ 

Tlie  viUages  separated  at  this  time.  Lor.g  Hair  went 
up  the  Yellow  Stone,  to  Clarke's  Fort,  in  order  to  kill 
buffalo  and  gather  fruit  when  ripe,  while  I  went  with 
my  village  on  a  circuit,  and  finally  rested  on  the  hanks 
of  Powder  lliver,  a  branch  of  the  Yellow  Stone.  While 
busy  killing  buffalo,  we  were  suddenly  attacked  by  the 
Cheyennes  to  the  number  of  two  thousand  warriors. 
1  had  been  advised  by  my  scouts  of  their  contemplated 
attack,  and  was  consequently  prepared  to  receive  them. 
They  were  seriously  disappointed  in  charging  upon  our 
empty  lodges ;  and,  while  they  were  in  confusion,  we 
thundered  upon  them  from  our  concealment,  driving 
them  before  us  in  all  directions  for  upward  of  two  miles, 
(^ur  victory  was  complete.  We  took  sixty-three  scalps, 
besides  horses  and  weapons  in  abundance.  We  had 
eighty  warriors  wounded,  principally  with  lances  and 
arrows,  but  every  one  recovered.  The  heroine  did  good 
service,  having  thoroughly  recovered  from  her  terrible 
wound.  She  had  two  horses  killed  under  her,  but  es- 
caped unhurt  herself,  using  her  lance  as  adroitly  as  ever. 

The  village  moved  on,  directly  after  the  battle,  in  the 
direction  of  uur  friends  the  Grovans  ;  but,  before  we  ar- 
rived, we  rubbed  out  a  party  of  eleven  Cheyennes,  who 
had  been  to  the  Grovan  village  on  a  war  excursion, 
and  we  carried  their  scalps  and  presented  them  to  the 
Grovans.  When  we  arrived  in  sight  of  their  villages 
— five  in  number — and  halted  with  our  whole  force  on 
a  small  hill  which  overlooked  their  towns,  on  perceiv- 
ing us  they  were  filled  with  alarm,  believing  us  to  be 
the  Cheyennes,  returned  with  a  force  sufficient  to  ex- 
terminate them.  But  they  discovered  us  to  be  Crow 
friends  and  their  joy  was  now  proportionate  to  their 


JAMES  P.   BECKWOURTH. 


299 


lawk 

went 

)kiU 

with 

)anks 

Vhile 

y  tlio 

riors. 

plated 

them. 

)n  ouv 

3n,  \vc 

iriving 

miles. 

scalps, 

ie  had 

es  and 

d  good 

terrible 
jut  es- 

is  ever. 
,  in  the 
we  ar- 
es, who 
mrsion, 
to  the 
villages 
'orce  oil 
perceiv- 
is  to  he 
t  to  ex- 
)e  Crow 
to  their 


former  despondency.  Wc  passed  through  their  vil- 
lages two  abreast,  and  all  were  out  upon  the  tops  of 
their  lodges  to  welcome  us  as  wc  rode  through.  The. 
acclamations  resounded  on  every  side.  They  looked 
upon  us  as  their  deliverers  and  friends,  who  had  come 
to  protect  the  weak  against  the  strong,  that  their  wrongs 
iniglit  be  avenged,  and  their  faces  be  washed  once  more. 
From  tlieir  villages  we  rode  on  to  Fort  Clarke  through 
the  jVIandan  villages,  defiling  before  the  fort  in  double 
columns.  Every  man  in  ihe  fort  was  on  the  battle 
nients,  gazing  at  our  long  lines  of  mounted  warriors. 
While  deiiling  past,  we  were  correctly  counted  by  ^Ir. 
Kipp.  Several  alighted  and  visited  the  fort,  and  Mr. 
Kipp  inquired  for  the  Crow  who  spoke  English.  No 
era  understood  him  until  he  came  across  a  Mandan 
who  spoke  the  Crow  language  fluently.  They  inquired 
of  him  for  me.  I  replied  he  was  somewhere  about.  I 
was  dressed  in  full  costume,  and  painted  as  black  as  a 
Crow,  and  neither  the  Mandan  nor  Kipp  recognized  me. 
The  Mandan  informed  Kipp  that  I  was  present. 

"Yes,"  said  I,  "Beckwouith  is  present." 

"Well,  well!"  exclaimed  Kipp,  in  astonishment; 
"  is  that  you,  Bcckwourth  ?" 

I  replied  that  it  was,  indisputably. 

"Then  why  did  you  not  declare  yourself  when  I 
was  inquiring  for  you  ?  I  certainly  should  never  have 
distinguished  you  from  any  other  Indian." 

At  this  moment  my  wife  entered,  carrying  my  boy 
in  her  arms.  A  great  interest  was  taken  in  him  by  all 
the  inmates  of  the  fort,  greatly  to  the  delight  of  his 
proud  mother,  and  by  the  time  the  child  had  passed 
through  all  their  hands  he  had  received  presents  enough 
to  load  a  pack-mule. 

We  staid  with  our  friends  ten  days,  part  of  which 


;jou 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OF 


time  was  occupied  in  arranging  a  combined  plan  of  de- 
fense against  tlic  ]51ack  i'ect.  When  wc  departed. 
Long  Hair  presented  vis  with  an  amj)le  stock  of  corn 
and  punipKins.  We  passed  ihc  Yellow  Stone,  and 
traveled  on  by  easy  marches  to  the  Mussel  Shell  River, 
killing  and  dressing  buffalo  during  our  whole  journey. 
Here  we  encamped  to  await  the  arrival  of  Long  Hair. 
Our  spies  kept  us  advised  of  tiic  movements  of  the  en- 
emy, and  intelligence  was  brought  us  that  he  was  mani- 
festly concentrating  his  forces  at  the  Three  Forks  of 
the  Missouri  for  a  grand  attack.  I  knew  that  wc  wero 
also  vigilantly  watched  by  the  enemy's  spies,  and  I  de- 
termined to  make  no  movement  that  would  warrant  the 
suspicion  that  their  movements  were  known  to  us. 
Long  Hair  shortly  joined  us  with  his  whole  force,  and 
I  felt  pertcctly  at  ease  now,  notwithstanding  the  most 
strategical  movements  of  our  enemy. 

After  various  demonstrations  on  either  side,  we  feign- 
ed a  division  of  our  forces,  and  marched  one  half  of 
them  to  a  spot  which  concealed  them  from  the  table- 
land, thus  leading  the  enemy  to  the  belief  that  we  were 
still  ignorant  of  his  intentions  and  his  numbers. 

At  daybreak  the  following  morning  we  heard  the 
noise  of  their  innumerable  horse- hoofs,  and  shortly 
after  they  burst  upon  our  tenantless  lodges  like  a  thun- 
der-cloud. I  suffered  about  one  third  of  their  warriors 
to  become  entangled  in  the  village,  and  I  then  gave  the 
order  to  charge.  The  shock  was  irresistible ;  their  ad- 
vancing division  was  attacked  on  all  sides,  and  the  ap- 
pearance of  my  concealed  warriors  sent  a  panic  through 
the  tribe.  They  tied  precipitately  without  venturing 
to  look  round  to  see  if  they  were  pursued.  It  was  a 
complete  rout,  and  purchased  at  but  slight  cost  to  our- 
selves.    We  gathered  over  four  hundred  scal})s,  and 


JAMES   1'.  BECKWOURTH. 


301 


['  dc- 
L'tcd, 
corn 
anil 
ivcr, 
nicy. 
Hair. 
LC  cn- 
maui- 
ks  ol" 
J  were 
.  I  de- 
,nt  the 
to  us. 
;e,  and 
3  most 

p  I'eign- 

lalf  of 

table- 

VG  were 


took  fifty  women  prisoners ;  we  captured  iivc  hundred 
horses,  one  Inuuh-ed  p;uns,  and  weapons,  blankets,  and 
camp  C(pupage  heyond  emmicration.  Our  loss  was 
four  killed  and  three  himdred  wounded,  some  of  whom 
afterward  died  of  their  woimds. 

Our  wounded  warriors  attended  to,  and  our  spoils 
gathered,  wc  moved  on  without  delay  to  our  tobacco 
plantation,  as  it  was  now  time  to  gather  our  crop.  We 
journeyed  by  way  of  the  fort,  and  on  our  road  fell  in 
with  a  party  of  fifteen  Black  Foot  wamors,  who  were 
driving  a  large  drove  of  horses  they  liad  stolen  from 
the  Snakes.  We  entrapped  the  enemy  into  a  ditch 
and  killed  the  whole  party,  and  their  recent  acquisition 
came  in  very  serviceably,  as  our  stock  of  horses  was 
greatly  diminished.  We  found  our  crop  excellent,  and, 
as  our  numerous  hands  made  light  work,  our  harvest 
was  soon  gathered. 

We  then  passed  on  at  our  leisure,  killing  more  or  less 
buffalo  daily,  until  we  arrived  at  Tongue  River,  about 
the  new  moon  of  Leaf  Fall.  On  our  way  we  lost  nearly 
three  hundred  head  of  horses,  which  were  stolen  by  the 
Black  Feet.  We  did  not  trouble  ourselves  to  pursue 
them,  as  we  felt  confident  they  were  but  lent  them,  and 
that  they  would  shortly  be  returned  with  good  interest. 
At  Tongue  River  we  confederated  with  our  friends,  the 
Grovans,  in  an  attack  upon  the  Cheyenne  village ;  from 
thence  we  returned  to  the  Yellow  Stone,  when  I  de- 
tached a  party  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  warriors  on  an 
excursion  to  the  Black  Foot  village,  and  they  returned 
bringing  six  hundred  fine  horses  with  them.  W^e  then 
passed  on  to  Fort  Cass,  where  we  witnessed  much  de- 
jection and  gloom,  occasioned  by  a  serious  reverse 
which  they  had  experienced  since  our  last  visit. 


:)02 


ALJTOmuUliAl'IlY    UF 


CIIArTETl  XXI. 

Attacks  of  the  Black  Fcpt  on  the  Fort. — Six  White  Men  killed.— 
Abandonment  of  Fort  Cass. — Fort  constructed  at  the  Mouth  of  the 
"  Hose  Hud." — Removal  of  the  Village. — Peace  concluded  with  th<' 
As-nc-boines. — Hair-breadth  Escape. — Death  of  Mr.  Hunter,  of  Ken- 
tucky. 

While  wc  wore  indulging  in  a  display  of  our  cap- 
tured horses  Avliile  encamped  outside  the  fort,  the  Spot- 
ted iVntelope,  one  of  my  relatives,  came  to  me,  and  hi- 
timated  that  1  had  Letter  visit  the  fort,  as  they  had  lost 
six  men  by  the  Black  Feet.  He  was  in  mourning-paint 
for  the  victims,  because  the  whites  were  his  friends. 
I  dismounted,  and  passed  through  the  encampment  on 
my  way  to  the  gate.  As  usual,  I  found  my  father's 
lodge,  in  which  my  little  wife  resided,  jjitched  nearest 
to  the  fort,  with  the  other  lodges  jf  my  various  rela- 
tives grouped  in  a  row,  their  contiguity  to  my  parent's 
lodge  heing  gi'aduated  by  their  propinquity  cf  kin.  1 
Ibund  Pine  Leaf  seated  by  my  wife,  amusing  herself 
with  the  Black  Panther  (whose  civilized  patronymic 
was  lAttle  Jim),  while  almost  all  the  other  women 
were  dancing.  I  delayed  a  moment  to  inquire  why 
these  two  women  were  not  dancing  with  the  others. 
Pine  Leaf,  with  solemn  air  and  quivering  lip,  said, 
"  Your  heart  is  crying,  and  I  never  dance  when  your 
heart  cries." 

"  Neither  do  I,"  said  the  little  woman. 

This  was  a  greater  concession  than  the  heroine  had 
ever  made  to  me  before.  She  had  told  me  that  she 
would  marry  me,  and  she  had  frequently  informed  my 


;■♦ 


JAMES    P.    JUUJKWUIJUTII. 


aoa 


sisters  and  my  little  wife  of  a  similar  intention;  but 
this  promise  was  always  modified  with  a  ])royiso — a 
iOiitumacioiis  "if,''  which  eoidd  never  be  avoided.  "  t 
will  marry  the  Medicine  Calf,"  she  would  say,  ^^ifl 
marry  any  man."  A  great  many  moons  had  waxed 
and  waned  since  she  first  spoke  of  the  pino  leaves  turn- 
ing yellow,  but  they  had  not  yet  lost  their  verdure, 
and  I  liad  failed  to  discover  a  red-handed  Indian. 

In  conversation  with  j\Ir.  TlU^ck,  the  commandant 
of  the  fort,  1  learned  that  they  had  been  incessantly 
harassed  by  the  Black  Feet  ever  since  our  last  visit, 
who  had  invested  them  on  all  sides,  rendering  it  ex- 
tremely dangerous  for  any  of  the  inmates  to  venture 
outside  the  gate.  He  furtiier  informed  me  that  he  had 
had  six  men  massacred  and  iifty-four  horses  stolen. 
He  had  sent  for  me,  he  said,  to  come  and  select  a  new 
site,  Avhere  they  would  be  liable  to  less  molestation,  and 
be  less  in  fear  of  their  lives. 

I  consulted  with  our  chiefs  and  braves  upon  the  se- 
lection of  a  more  secure  location  for  a  new  fort,  and  it 
was  unanimously  agreed  upon  that  the  mouth  of  the 
Rose  Bud,  thirty  miles  lower  down  the  river,  ottered 
the  best  situation,  as  the  country  was  fair  and  open  all 
round,  and  afforded  the  hostile  Indians  no  good  places 
of  concealment.  There  was  also  a  fine  grazing  country 
there,  and  plenty  of  buffalo,  so  that  a  village  of  the 
Crows  could  winter  under  the  fort,  and  afford  them  the 
protection  of  their  presence. 

As  soon  as  the  Crows  had  completed  thr'ir  purchases, 
I  started  them  up  the  Big  Horn  on  their  way  back, 
with  the  promise  that  I  would  rejoin  them  in  a  few 
(lays.  I  then  took  a  boat  filled  with  goods,  and  twenty 
men,  and  dropped  down  the  river  until  we  came  across 
a  beautiful  location  for  the  new  fort.     We  then  return- 


:jo4 


AITOHIOUUAI'IIY    UF 


cd,  and  removed  the  eftccts  of  the  present  tort  to  tin 
new  .site,  and  then  inuncdiately  net  altont  (!onHtructiiiL; 
a  new  post.  VVe  nieasnred  oH'onc  htnuU-ed  and  eighty 
yardH  square,  whicli  we  inclosed  as  ([uickly  as  possihir 
witli  liewn  timber  eigliteen  feci  higli,  and  of  suthcicnt 
thickness  to  resist  a  ritle  hall :  all  the  houses  required 
i'or  the  accommodation  of  the  inmates  were  conmiodious- 
\y  constnicted  inside. 

Having  finished  the  constniction  of  the  fort,  T  gave 
full  instructions  for  the  management  of  its  affairs,  and 
then  departed  for  the  village,  where  my  ])resence  was 
required  to  incite  the  Indians  to  devote  themselves  to 
trapping  and  hunting  buffalo,  for  which  service  I  was 
paid  by  the  American  Fin*  Com})any. 

As  I  was  about  starting,  a  deputation  of  fifty  As- 
ne-boines  came  to  the  post,  leaving  a  letter  from  Mr. 
M'Kenzie  at  the  lower  fort  addressed  to  me,  requesting 
me  to  constrain  the  ^  3-ne-boines  into  a  treaty  of  peace; 
with  the  Crows,  in  order  that  their  incessant  wars  might 
be  brought  to  a  close,  and  the  interests  of  the  company 
less  interfered  with.  Had  they  anived  earlier,  while 
the  village  was  present  at  the  old  fort,  I  would  have 
immediately  called  a  council  of  the  nation,  and  had  tlio 
business  settled.  I  seriously  regretted  their  inoppor- 
tune arrival,  as  it  not  only  delayed  the  conclusion  of 
the  proposed  peace,  which  was  in  every  way  desirable, 
])ut  it  woTild  have  saved  me  a  very  hazardous  and  anx- 
ious journey  with  the  whole  deputation  of  hostile  In- 
dians on  our  way  to  the  village,  where  I  had  but  one; 
companion  as  a  guarantee  for  my  security.  I  was  aware 
that  the  Indians  remembered  many  a  hovse-bor7'owi?}r/ 
adventure  wherein  I  had  taken  an  active  part,  and  I 
had  had  too  much  experience  of  Indian  character  not 
to  appreciate  to  the  full  the  imminent  danger  I  incurred 


./AMES   I*.    IJKt'KWOrUTH. 


;i06 


in  trusting  myaelt*  with  thin  band  of  savages  in  our  in- 
tended journey  across  tlio  wildonioss. 

Mr.  Kean,  a  native  of  Ma  sachusetts,  was  my  com- 
panion on  this  excursion.  \Vc  started  on  foot,  in  com- 
])any  with  tiic  party  of  As-ne-boines.  Every  tiling 
went  well  imtil  our  fourth  day  out.  We  were  travel- 
ing leisurely  along,  the  Indiana  in  close  conversation 
among  themselves,  of  which  I  understood  but  little — not 
rnough  to  make  out  the  subject  of  their  consultation, 
though  I  mistmsted  1  formed  the  matter  of  their  dis- 
course. One  of  the  chiefs  and  his  son  were  a  few  rods 
in  advance,  in  close  conversation.  The  party  at  length 
halted,  and  sat  down  on  the  gi-ass  to  smoke.  jVly  com- 
panion, unsuspicious  of  evil,  started  on  to  kill  buffalo 
while  the  party  rested.  The  chief  and  his  son,  who 
were  in  advance,  returned,  and  passed  one  on  each  side 
of  me.  I  instantly  heard  a  gun-click,  which  1  felt  cer- 
tain was  the  soimd  of  cocking  it.  1  turned  my  head, 
and  saw  the  chief's  son  with  his  piece  leveled  ready  to 
shoot.  I  sprang  to  my  feet,  and  grasped  the  barrel  of 
his  gun  just  as  he  discharged  it,  the  load  passing  into 
the  air.  I  drew  my  battle-axe,  and  raised  it  to  strike 
tlie  treacherous  rascal  down ;  but  a  chief  aiTCsted  my 
ann,  saying,  as  nearly  as  I  could  understand  him, 
"  Hold  1     Don't  strike  him :  he  is  a  fool !" 

A  general  melee  then  ensued  among  the  party ;  high 
words  were  bandied,  and  there  seemed  an  equal  divi- 
sion among  them  on  the  propriety  of  taking  my  life. 
By  this  time  I  had  withdrawn  a  few  yards,  and  stood 
facing  them,  with  my  rifle  ready  cocked.  On  hearing 
the  report,  my  companion  ran  back,  and,  seeing  how 
matters  stood,  exclaimed,  "There  is  a  fort  just  ahead, 
let  us  run  and  get  into  it ;  we  can  then  fight  the  whole 
parcel  of  the  treacherous  devils." 


306 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OP 


We  started  for  it,  but  the  Indians  were  ahead  of  us ; 
they  arrived  there  first,  and  took  possession  of  it,  and 
again  had  a  long  confab,  while  we  remained  at  their 
mercy  outside.  The  party  opposed  to  killing  me  ap- 
peared greatly  to  predominate,  and  we  were  not  again 
molested,  though  neither  I  nor  Mr.  Kean  slept  one  mo- 
ment during  the  ensuing  night.  In  the  morning  wo 
started  on  our  way,  but  v/e  kept  strict  watch  on  their 
movements.  The  following  afternoon  I  discovered  two 
Indians  on  the  hill-side,  and,  although  they  were  at  a 
great  distance,  I  conceived  them  to  be  Crows,  most  like- 
ly spies  from  the  village,  which  proved  to  be  the  case. 
No  one  had  seen  them  but  myself,  and  I  imparted  my 
discovery  to  my  friend.  I  then  told  the  head  chief, 
who  well  understood  the  Crow  language,  that  we  were 
near  the  Crow  village,  and  that  if  any  of  them  should 
visit  our  camp  during  the  night,  he  must  be  sure  to  call 
me  before  he  suffered  any  of  liis  people  to  speak  to  them, 
or  they  would  be  all  inevitably  massacred.  He  accord- 
ingly issued  orders  to  that  purport  to  all  his  men,  and 
erected  his  lodge  in  front  of  the  party,  so  as  to  be  the 
first  inquired  of  by  the  Crows.  I  and  my  partner  then 
lay  down,  and  soon  w<   o  somid  asleep. 

About  midnight  the  chief  shook  me,  and  informed 
me  the  Crows  were  coming.  A  host  of  warriors 
swarmed  around  our  encampment,  and,  pointing  their 
guns  at  the  camp,  said,  "What  people  are  you  ?  Bud- 
da-ap-sa-ro-kee"  (we  are  Sparrowhawks). 

" Go  back,"  I  replied ;  "I  have  other  people  with 
me,  who  are  come  to  make  peace." 

On  hearing  my  voice,  which  they  readily  recognized, 
they  retired. 

The  next  morning  we  moved  on  and  met  the  vil- 
lage, who  were  approaching-  toward  us.     The  As-nc- 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


307 


boiriGS,  on  seeing  such  a  host,  began  to  tremble.  Our 
soldiers  came  driving  along,  my  brave  Dog  Soldiers 
ineffectually  striving  to  keep  them  back ;  for,  as  they 
restrained  them  in  one  place,  thf^y  broke  through  in 
another,  until  the  warriors  rode  almost  upon  the  toes 
of  their  guests.  A  council  was  shortly  called  to  listen 
to  the  arguments  of  the  envoye  extraordinaire  from 
the  As-ne-boine  nation.  Several  of  the  council  ap- 
plied to  me  for  my  sentiments  on  the  subject,  but  I 
deferred  it  to  the  collective  wisdom  of  the  nation. 

When  I  had  at  first  arrived,  like  many  another  fool- 
ish man,  I  mentioned  to  my  wife  the  narrow  escape 
of  my  life  I  had  just  made,  and  she,  like  many  an- 
other foolish  woman,  unable  to  contain  herself,  re- 
lated the  information  to  Pine  Leaf,  who  was  her  bosom 
friend.  While  the  council  were  busy  deliberating,  and 
some  explanatory  statements  had  been  liste^ied  to  re- 
garding a  matter  which  I  supposed  would  nave  afford- 
ed no  food  for  discussion,  the  heroine  entered  the  as- 
sembly. 

"Warriors!"  she  said,  "you  are  assembled  here,  I 
believe,  to  deliberate  on  peace  or  war  with  the  As-ne- 
hoines.  In  coming  to  our  village  with  the  Medicine 
Calf,  they  attempted  to  take  his  life,  and  came  very 
near  accomplishing  their  end.  Will  you  conclude 
peace  with  a  people  who  possess  such  base  hearts  ?  I 
do  not  believe  you  will." 

Such  an  instantaneous  change  of  countenance  in  an 
assembly  was  never  before  seen.  Pine  Leaf,  the  na- 
tion's favorite,  had  spoken,  and,  as  usual,  had  spoken 
to  the  purpose.  Though  a  woman,  her  influence  was 
every  where  strongly  felt,  even  in  council.  She  had 
!i  gift  of  speech  which  the  bravest  warriors  might  well 
cr\yj ;  she  was  ever  listened  to  with  admiration,  and 


308 


AUTOBIOaRAPHY   OF 


in  truth,  though  young,  her  judgment  on  all  important 
matters  was  generally  guided  by  sound  sense. 

Every  eye  in  the  assembly  flashed  fiie  at  the  intel- 
ligence  of  this  contemplated  treachery,  and  was  direct- 
ed first  upon  me  and  then  upon  the  As-ne-boines.  1 
immediately  arose  and  said, 

"Warriors!  I  conducted  these  people  to  our  vil- 
lage because  they  said  they  were  anxious  to  make 
peace  with  us.  "While  on  the  road,  one  young  As-ne- 
boine,  whom  they  declared  to  be  a  fool,  attempted  to 
shoot  me,  but  the  others  interfered  to  prevent  him,  and 
were  soiTy  for  what  he  had  done.  This  was  no  delib- 
erate treachery ;  it  was  the  folly  of  the  young  man, 
and  the  party  showed  their  friendly  intention  by  their 
prompt  interference.  Do  not  allow  this  to  make  any 
ditficulty  in  the  way  of  a  peace  with  the  As-ne-boines." 

My  obligation  to  the  Fur  Company  made  it  my 
duty  to  smooth  the  matter  over,  for  at  this  moment 
the  slightest  whisper  from  me  would  have  sufficed  to 
hack  the  whole  deputation  to  pieces  in  a  moment. 

The  council  held  a  short  consultation  together,  and 
the  first  councilor  arose  and  thus  addressed  himself  to 
the  chief  of  the  As-ne-boines : 

"  As-ne-boines !  you  behold  that  chief  (pointing  to 
me)?  Our  women  and  all  our  warriors  carry  him  hero 
(holding  out  his  left  hand,  and  indicating  the  palm  with 
a  finger  of  his  right  hand);  he  is  our  chief;  he  is  our 
great  chief;  he  and  his  brother  (Long  Hair),  who  sits 
by  him,  are  the  two  great  chiefs  of  our  nation.  It  is 
he  who  has  made  us  great  and  powerful ;  it  i^  he  whc 
has  rendered  us  the  terror  of  other  nations ;  it  is  ho 
who,  by  living  with  his  white  friends  for  many  win- 
ters, and  knowing  them  all,  has  brought  us  guns  and 
ammunition,  and  taught  our  young  men  how  to  uro 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOUKTH. 


309 


lortant 

J  Intel- 
direct- 
les.     1 

ur  vil- 
►  make 
As-nc- 
pted  to 
ini,  and 
0  delib- 
g  man, 
by  their 
ake  any 
boines." 
3  it  my 
moment 
tfficed  to 
ent. 

ler,  and 
mself  to 

nting  to 
lim  hero 
ilm  with 
le  is  ouv 
who  sits 
It  is 
he  wlic 
it  is  ho 
iTiy  win- 
uns  and 

to  UPO 


them.  It  is  he  who  has  built  us  a  fort,  where  we  can 
at  all  times  go  and  buy  every  thing  we  require.  He 
loves  the  white  man,  and  has  made  all  the  whites  to  love 
us.  We  tight  fo'  the  whites,  and  kill  their  enemies,  be- 
cause they  are  ihe  friends  of  our  chief.  If  you  had 
killed  him,  our  nation  would  have  mourned  in  blood. 

"  Listen,  As-ne-boines !  If  you  had  killed  our  chief, 
our  whole  nation  would  have  made  war  on  you,  and 
we  would  have  put  out  your  last  lire,  and  have  killed 
the  last  man  of  your  nation.  We  would  have  taken 
possession  of  your  hunting-grounds ;  our  women  would 
have  become  warriors  against  you;  wq  would  luxve 
hunted  you  as  we  hunt  the  wild  beasts.  Now  go !  we 
will  not  harm  you.  Go!  W"e  will  sleep  to-night; 
but  we  will  not  make  peace  until  we  sleep,  and  our 
liearts  have  considered  upon  it.  Come  to  us  again 
when  your  hearts  arc  clean :  they  are  foul  now ;  and 
Avhen  you  come,  you  must  have  your  tongues  straight. 
You  are  poor ;  you  have  no  horses.  We  have  plenty, 
and  will  give  you  horses.     I  have  done.     Go!" 

They  made  no  reply,  but  went  straightway  out  of 
the  lodge.  A  horse  was  furnished  to  each  man ;  those 
who  were  without  guns  received  one,  and  several  arti- 
cles were  presented  to  them  by  our  women.  *'Go! 
go!  go!"  was  dinned  in  their  ears  from  all  present; 
and,  accordingly,  they  went. 

They  proceeded  immediately  to  the  trading-post, 
where  they  ga^  e  a  stirring  narrative  of  what  they  had 
seen.  They  told  them  they  had  seen  many  chiefs,  but 
never  one  approaching  to  the  great  Crow  chief;  that 
all  his  people  loved  him ;  that  when  he  entered  the 
village,  all  the  children  ran  up  to  him,  and  shook  him 
by  the  hand ;  and  that  they  had  never  seen  a  chief  so 
much  respected  b}*  his  warriors  and  all  his  people. 


310 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


They  lold  how,  when  I  arrived,  I  was  presented  with 
the  host  war-liorsc  they  had  ever  seen ;  that  he  had 
two  panther-skins  on  his  saddle,  and  a  collar  about 
his  neck  trimmed  with  bears'  claws,  and  a  bridle  sur- 
passing all  they  had  ever  heard  of.  They  said  that 
they  would  all  have  been  killed  on  their  approach  to 
the  village,  as  the  Crows  came  to  the  camp  during  the 
night ;  but  that  the  great  chief  only  spoke  one  word, 
and  the  tribe  was  stilled,  and  departed  in  a  moment. 
Not  a  word  did  they  mention  about  their  attempt  on 
my  life.  They  merely  said  that  the  Crows  would  not 
make  peace  with  them^  but  had  wished  to  treat  again 
with  them  at  some  future  time.  I  suspect  they  must 
have  told  marvelous  tales  when  they  reached  home, 
for  we  were  not  troubled  with  them  any  more  for  a 
long  time. 

The  Crows  have  something  of  the  Gallic  tempera- 
ment :  they  must  have  excitement ,  no  matter  whence 
derived,  although  the  excitement  of  war  suits  them  by 
far  the  best.  They  were  again  clamorous  for  war, 
they  did  not  care  against  whom,  and  I  alone  must  lead 
them,  as  my  presence  was  a  guarantee  of  success. 
Many  of  my  friends  opposed  my  going.  My  father's 
medicine  told  him  that  I  should  meet  with  a  great  dis- 
aster. My  wife  pleaded  with  me  to  remain.  Even  the 
heroine,  who  never  before  showed  reluctance  to  engage 
in  war,  had  forebodings  of  disaster,  and  earnestly  en- 
treated me  to  stay.  But  I  had  previously  given  my 
word  to  my  warriors,  and  had  selected  one  hundred 
and  fifty-four  of  my  best  followers  to  engage  in  an  ex- 
pedition. I  must  confess  that  if  I  had  obeyed  my  own 
feelings,  or,  rather,  if  I  had  attended  to  my  own  mis- 
givings, I  should  certainly  have  staid  at  home.  What 
motive  prompted  me  to  go  ?  and  what  gain  could  pos- 


JAMES   P.   BECKWOURTH. 


311 


sibly  accrue  to  mixing  with  savages  in  their  intestine 
broils  with  other  savages  ? 

However,  we  started.  Little  White  Bear,  as  brave 
11  warrior  as  ever  drew  bow-string,  was  my  second  in 
command,  and  Pine  Leaf  was  one  of  the  number.  We 
started  for  the  Black  Foot  territory,  traveling  by  way 
of  the  fort,  where  we  staid  three  days.  They  had  al- 
ready finished  their  pickets,  and  the  work  was  progress- 
ing finely.     There  were  fifty  men  employed  upon  it. 

Mr.  TuUeck  inquired  where  I  was  going.  I  told  him 
tliat  my  warriors  wanted  employment,  and,  to  gratify 
them,  I  was  going  to  the  Black  Foot  country  in  quest 
of  scalps  or  horses.  He  said,  "  For  God's  sake,  do 
not  go,  Jim !  I  have  a  presentiment  that  a  great  ca- 
lamity awaits  you — that  I  shall  never  see  you  again. 
For  your  own  safety,  turn  back  to  the  village,  or  rest 
liere." 

Many  of  my  friends,  who  were  working  at  the  fort, 
expressed  the  same  sentiments ;  all  mentioned  a  fore- 
boding that,  if  I  should  venture  into  the  Black  Foot 
country  with  my  little  force,  I  should  infallibly  be  cut 
to  pieces.  I  thought  such  despondency  only  natural, 
since  they  had  been  so  badly  harassed  with  the  enemy 
that  their  fears  magnified  the  danger.  Still  it  was  sin- 
giUar  that  both  civilized  and  savage  should  give  way 
to  such  forebodings. 

The  morning  for  our  departure  came ;  my  warriors 
were  impatient  to  get  on.  Some  had  galloped  on 
ahead,  and  were  prancing  and  curveting,  awaiting  my 
departure.  I  prepared  my  going  with  a  heavy  heart, 
which  ill  fortified  me  against  the  representations  of  my 
friends.  I  started,  Mr.  Tulleck  and  several  of  my  friends 
accompanying  me  a  few  rods.  I  bade  them  good-by : 
my  friend  TuUeck's  eyes  filled  with  tears.     I  was 


312 


AUTOBIOGRAPF.Y   OP 


.seized  with  momentary  hesitation:  what  did  all  thi« 
j)ortcnd?  I  looked  round  for  my  moccasin-bearer;  h(>, 
Jiad  gone  on :  this  determined  me  ;  I  dashed  off  to  my 
waiTiors,  resolved  to  listen  to  no  such  idle  fears. 

There  was  a  young  gentleman  with  me  named  Hunt- 
ir,  a  Kentuckian,  who,  having  a  great  curiosity  to  wit- 
ness an  Indian  battle,  insisted  on  joining  in  the  expe- 
dition. The  first  night  that  wc  were  encamped,  behig 
influenced  by  what  I  had  heard  all  around  me,  and  fear- 
ing some  disaster  might  happen  to  him  among  us,  ] 
begged  of  him  to  go  back  to  the  fort  and  await  our  re- 
turn there.  He  refused  to  listen  to  me.  We  then  of- 
fered him  as  many  of  our  best  horses  as  he  might  wish 
to  select  after  our  return,  as  an  inducement  for  him  to 
l»c  Jiired  to  go  back.  But  all  in  vaui.  "I  have  start- 
ed witli  you,"  he  said,  "and  I  will  go  ;  if  I  am  to  lose 
my  life,  there  is  no  help  for  it." 

My  warriors  did  not  wish  him  to  go,  as  they  feared 
a  white  man  might  bring  us  bad  luck.  Some  expressed 
a  fear  that  he  might  be  killed  with  us,  and  that  I  should 
tlien  cry.  He  was  a  free  trapper  in  the  country,  and 
much  respected  at  the  fort. 

We  continued  our  course  until  we  arrived  at  Little 
Box  Elder  Creek.  Here  our  spies  discovered  a  Black 
l^'oot  village,  which,  from  a  cursory  examination,  we 
(concluded  consisted  of  but  few  lodges.  At  midnight 
we  abstracted  a  large  drove  of  about  seven  hundred 
horses,  and  started  directly  upon  our  return.  We  did 
not  drive  so  fast  as  is  customary  on  such  occasions, 
for  we  thought  that  the  few  Black  Feet  that  the  village 
contained  could  be  easily  disposed  of,  should  they  ven- 
ture to  molest  us. 

About  ten  the  next  morning,  our  spies,  being  about 
six  hundred  yards  in  advance  of  us,  signaled  to  us  to 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


313 


1  this 
cr;  Ik'. 
to  my 

Hunt- 
to  wit- 
i  expe- 
,  being 
id  I'ear- 
g  us,  1 
our  re- 
tlien  ot- 
;lit  wish 
•  him  to 
re  start- 

1  to  lose 

y  feared 
xpressed 
I  shouhl 
try,  and 

lat  Little 

a  Black 
ition,  we 

lidnight 
[hundred 

Wc  did 
Iccasions, 

le  village 
(hey  ven- 

about 
to  us  to 


hasten,  as  they  Iiad  discovered  some  men.  Wc  accel- 
erated our  speed,  thinking  there  might  he  a  chance  of 
adding  a  few  scalj)s  to  our  present  booty.  Having  ad- 
vanced a  few  liundred  yards,  we  discoAered  more  Jilack 
Veet  than  we  liad  bargained  for,  and  I  became  aware 
that  a  terrible  battle  must  ensue.  The  whole  scene 
appeared  alive  with  them,  outnumbering  us  ten  to  one. 
There  was  not  a  moment  to  lose.  I  directed  all  i-ic 
boys  to  drive  on  the  horses  with  the  utmost  speed  pos- 
sible, and  to  await  us  two  days  at  the  fort ;  if  we  should 
not  arrive  during  that  time,  to  go  home  and  report  to 
the  village  that  wc  were  all  slain.  I  also  requested  Mr. 
Hunter  to  select  the  best  horse  in  the  herd,  and  go  with 
the  boys.  But  he  refused,  saying,  if  there  was  any 
lighting  in  the  wind,  he  wanted  to  have  his  hand  in  it. 
I  then  endeavored  to  persuade  the  heroine  to  go,  but 
was  answered  with  an  emphatic  "No!" 

The  boys  started  with  the  horses,  but  only  succeed- 
ed in  reaching  the  fort  with  about  two  hundred.  We 
had  a  very  poor  chance  for  defending  ourselves  against 
such  an  overwhelming  force  as  was  then  before  us  in 
an  open  field-fight.  There  was  no  fort,  nor  breast-work, 
nor  rocks,  nor  bushes  to  protect  us,  but  we  were  ex- 
posed to  the  storm  of  bullets  and  arrows  that  they  pour- 
ed upon  us  without  ceasing.  At  last  we  discovered  a 
large  hole  in  front  of  a  hill,  and  we  all  leaped  into  it  for 
shelter.  The  enemy,  confident  of  an  easy  victory,  dis- 
played great  bravery  for  Black  Feet.  They  charged 
up  to  the  very  brink  of  our  intrenchment,  discharging 
their  volleys  at  us  in  lines,  which,  considering  the  ad- 
vantage of  their  position,  produced  comparatively  little 
effect.  One  of  my  warriors  repeatedly  ran  out  of  the 
intrenchment  alone,  and  drove  all  before  him.  Exas- 
perated at  my  cursed  misadventure,  and  absolutely  sick- 

O 


314 


AUTUBlOaRAFHY    OF 


ening  at  tlic  sceno  of  inouming  we  should  occasion  at 
the  village,  I  grew  desperate,  and  lost  all  consideration 
of  sal'ety.  I  sprang  from  the  gully,  and  rushed  singly 
among  a  crowd  of  besiegers ;  wherever  I  advanced  tlic 
enemy  drew  Lack.  It  was  truly  astonishing  to  see 
three  or  four  hundred  recede,  and  many  of  them  fairly 
run,  as  often  as  two  or  three  of  us  showed  ourselves  at 
the  top  of  tiic  bank,  when  they  might  have  burned  us  to 
death  with  the  powder  from  the  muzzles  of  their  guns. 
They  seemed  to  be  panic-stnick  or  bewildered.  '^I'ho 
warrior  who  had  charged  so  often  among  them  had  his 
thigh  broken ;  he  then  sat  down  and  tantalized  them. 
He  told  them  who  he  was,  how  many  of  their  warriors' 
scalps  he  had  taken,  and  at  what  times ;  how  many  of 
their  squaws  and  horses  he  had  captured ;  and  then  de- 
sired them  to  come  and  finisli  him,  and  take  his  scalp, 
for  it  had  long  been  forfeit  to  them.  He  reminded  me 
of  the  words  of  the  poet,  which  I  had  read  when  at  home: 

"  Remember  the  wood  where  in  ambush  we  lay, 
And  the  scalps  which  we  bore  from  your  nation  away  ; 
Remember  the  arrows  I  shot  from  my  bow, 
And  remember  your  chiefs  by  my  hatchet  laid  low." 

He  was  soon  killed,  being  pierced  with  numerous  ar- 
rows and  bullets. 

An  old  brave  in  the  pit  exclaimed,  *'Let  us  not  stay 
in  this  hole  to  be  shot  like  dogs ;  let  us  go  out  and 
break  through  the  ranks  of  the  Black  Feet.  They  can 
not  kill  us  all ;  some  will  get  away.  I  will  go  fore- 
most; I  can  break  through  their  ranks  alone." 

Some  hundreds  of  the  enemy  had  climbed  the  hill,  as 
they  could  not  half  of  them  get  to  the  side  of  the  pit, 
and  thence  they  showered  volleys  of  stones  upon  us, 
which  annoyed  us  more  than  their  bullets.  At  length. 
Little  White  Bear  desired  the  old  brave  to  lead,  and  we 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


315 


n  at 
tioii 
ngly 
L  tl'e 
sec 
airlv 
cs  at 
VIS  to 

The 
id  liis 
them, 
rriors' 
iny  of 
en  de- 
scalp, 
led  nie 
home: 

ay; 


■ous  ar- 

^ot  stay 
)ut  and 
ley  can 
TO  fore- 

1  hill,  as 
[the  pit, 
Jpon  us, 

length, 
and  we 


would  follow  and  break  tlirough  their  line.  I  request- 
ed Hunter  to  keep  as  near  the  front  as  possible  wlien 
we  made  the  charge,  as  he  Avould  incur  less  danger  of 
being  cut  dovvn.  lie  took  his  place  accordingly.  Out 
we  rushed  from  the  pit,  the  old  warrior  leading  the  way, 
and  liewing  down  right  and  left,  until  the  enemy  finally 
opened  tlieir  column  and  suffered  ua  to  pass  through. 
We  left  twenty-four  of  our  party  behind,  either  killed 
in  the  pit,  or  cut  down  in  forcing  their  column.  I  was 
near  the  rear,  and,  after  passing  a  short  distance  from 
their  line,  I  came  upon  poor  Hunter,  who  Iiad  his  back 
broken  by  a  ball,  and  was  in  a  dying  condition.  I  ask- 
ed him  if  he  was  badly  hurt ;  he  answered,  "  Yes,  I  am 
dying;  go  on  and  save  yourself:  you  can  do  me  no 
good."' 

When  the  Little  Bear  came  up  to  him,  he  sat  down 
by  his  side  and  refused  to  leave  him.  He  said,  "  I 
will  die  with  my  white  friend,  and  go  with  him  to  the 
spirit  land." 

I  looked  and  saw  him  fall  over  upon  the  body  of 
poor  Hunter ;  he  was  also  killed. 

Pine  Leaf  had  cut  her  way  through  in  advance  of 
me,  and  was  dodging  first  one  w^ay  and  then  the  other, 
as  she  awaited  for  me  to  cut  up. 

"  Why  do  you  wait  to  be  killed  ?"  she  inquired.  *'If 
you  wish  to  die,  let  us  return  together ;  I  will  die  with 
you." 

We  continued  our  v  treat  for  a  few  miles,  but  the 
enemy  no  longer  molested  us ;  he  had  not  followed  us 
more  than  two  hundred  yards.  We  had  left  all  our 
robes  behind  us  in  the  pit,  that  we  might  not  be  bur- 
dened with  them  in  our  charge.  The  weather  was  ex- 
tremely cold,  and  we  halted  to  build  a  large  fire,  which 
we  rested  by  all  night,  warming  one  side  at  a  time. 


ai6 


AIITOBIOIJUAI'HY   OF 


The  old  l)ravc  wlio  led  tlio  uHaanlt  loaf  a  son  in  the 
Htrit'c  ;  lie  continued  to  sing  all  the  wjiy  until  he  became 
hoarse,  and  he  could  ning  no  more.  1  le  prayed  to  the 
Great  Spirit  to  give  him  an  op))ortunity  to  avenge  his 
loss,  which  ])rayer  was  accorded  several  times  over  dur- 
ing the  ensuing  winter.  The  heroine  lost  one  joint  off 
the  little  tinger  of  her  right  hand,  amputated  with  a  bul- 
let ;  the  little  tinger  of  her  other  hand  she  had  cut  off 
at  the  death  of  her  twin-brother.  Fortunately,  I  had 
saved  my  capote,  and  I  gave  it  to  her  to  wear,  as  she 
was  sufi'ering  severely  with  the  cold.  We  also  killed 
several  buffaloes  on  our  way  to  the  fort,  and  made  wrap- 
pers of  the  raw  hides  for  many  of  the  men  ;  still  a  num- 
ber were  badly  frozen  in  tlieir  bodies  and  limbs. 

This  was  my  Russian  campaign.  I  lost  more  men, 
and  suffered  more  from  the  cold  on  this  expedition,  than 
in  any  other  in  which  I  had  command  either  before  or 
{^ince. 

The  boys  reached  the  fort  with  the  horses  before  we 
did.  They  had  more  than  enough  to  mount  us  all  on 
our  way  home.  There  was  great  joy  at  the  fort  at  our 
return  in  such  numbers,  as  they  had  supposed  it  im- 
possible for  one  of  us  to  escape. 

When  I  left  the  lamented  Hunter  upon  the  field,  he 
said,  "  Jim,  when  you  pass  this  way,  I  ask  you  to  take 
my  bones  to  the  fort,  and  have  them  buried.  Write 
home  to  my  friends,  and  inform  them  of  my  fate.  Good- 
by !     Now  go  and  save  yourself." 

"  It  shall  be  done,"  I  said ;  and  the  following  spring 
it  was  done  as  I  had  promised. 

We  resteJ.  at  the  fort  four  or  five  days  to  recruit 
ourselves.  While  staying  there,  a  party  of  thirty  war- 
riors from  Long  Hair's  village  came  to  see  how  they 
were  progressing  with  the  fort.     There  were  some  in 


lar 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTII. 


317 


I  the 
Kunie 

0  the 
V  his 
•  (lur- 
it  off 
ibul- 
iitoff 

1  had 
IS  she 
killed 
wrap- 
L  num- 

e  men, 
n,  than 
tore  or 

fore  we 
all  on 
at  our 
it  im- 

ield,  he 
to  take 
Write 
Good- 
spring 

recruit 
ty  war- 
)w  they 
some  in 


my  party  who  belonged  to  that  villn,«;c,  and  they  re- 
turned witli  them.  Thoy  also  inlbrniod  ns  where  our 
village  was,  as  it  had  been  removed  during  our  ab- 
sence. Having  provided  ourselves  with  robes  in  the 
place  of  those  we  had  left  behind,  we  started  onward 
with  dejected  feelings,  and  in  deep  mourning. 

On  our  arrival  we  found  the  village  likcnvise  in 
mourning.  They  had  lost  four  warriors  by  the  Black 
Feet  while  resisting  an  attempt  to  steal  our  horses. 
When  informed  of  our  disaster,  there  was  a  general  re- 
newal of  their  lamentations  ;  more  fingers  were  lopped, 
and  heads  again  scarihed.  The  ^Medicine  Calf  had 
been  defeated,  and  for  some  lii<iden  cause  the  Great 
Spirit  was  again  wroth  with  the  (Jrows. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 


Meteoric  Shower. — Its  Effect  upon  the  Indians. — Their  Sacrifice  to 
the  Great  Spirit. — Continued  Hostilities  with  the  Black  Feet. — A 
Black  Foot  burned  in  the  Crow  Village. — Visit  to  the  Fort. 

In  case  any  captious  "  elders  of  the  congregation" 
had  been  inclined  to  throw  the  blame  of  my  recent  dis- 
aster upon  my  shoulders,  I  was  provided  witii  a  suffi- 
cient portent  to  screen  me  from  consequences.  After 
quitting  the  fort  on  our  way  to  Little  Box  Elder  (as  be- 
fore related),  and  while  exhausting  all  my  powers  of 
persuasion  to  induce  Mr.  Hunter  to  return,  we  observed 
a  remarkable  meteoric  shower,  which  filled  us  all  (more 
particularly  my  followers)  with  wonder  and  admiration. 
This  was  at  our  first  encampment  after  leaving  the  fort 
in  the  latter  end  of  October,  1832.  Although  my  war- 
riors were  ready  to  face  death  in  any  form,  this  singu- 
lar phenomenon  appalled  them.     It  was  the  >vrath  of 


818 


AUTOBIOaRAPHY  OP 


llio  (Jronl  ►Spirit  Blioworod  vinibly  upon  them,  and  they 
looknl  <o  mo,  in  rpiality  of  niodicinc,  chid',  to  intnrprot 
tho  -woiidor.  t  waH  aa  nuich  struck  with  the  prodig- 
ious occTirronco,  and  was  equally  at  a  loss  with  my  un- 
tut(>rr(l  followers  to  account  for  the  s])cctacle.  Kvi- 
(Icntly  1  nnist  augur  some  result  therefrom,  and  my 
dejected  spirits  did  not  prom])t  nu*,  to  deduce  a  very 
encouraging  one.  1  thought  of  all  the  impostures  that 
arc  practiee<l  n])on  the  credulous,  and  my  imjigination 
suggested  some  brilliant  figures  lo  my  mind.  1  thought 
of  declaring  to  them  that  theCireat  Spirit  was  pleased 
with  our  expedition,  and  was  lighting  us  on  our  way 
with  spirit  lani})s  ;  or  that  these  meteors  were  the  spir- 
its of  our  (le))artcd  braves,  coming  to  assist  us  in  our 
forthcoming  tight.  Hut  1  was  not  sanguine  enough  to 
indulge  in  any  attractive  oratory.  [  merely  informed 
them  1  had  not  time  to  consult  my  medicine,  but  that 
on  our  return  to  the  village  I  would  interpret  the  mir- 
acle to  tliem  in  full. 

On  our  arrival,  I  found  the  people's  minds  still  agi- 
tated with  the  ]n-odigy.  All  were  speaking  of  it  in 
wonder  and  amazement,  and  my  opinion  was  demand- 
ed res])ecting  the  consequences  it  portended.  Admon- 
ished by  my  defeat,  I  had  no  trouble  in  reading  the 
stars.  I  informed  them  that  our  people  had  evidently 
offended  the  (Ircat  Spirit ;  that  it  was  because  of  his 
wrath  I  had  suffered  defeat  in  my  excursion,  and  re- 
turned with  the  loss  of  twenty-three  warriors.  I  thence 
inferred  that  a  sacrifice  must  be  made  to  appease  the 
wrath  of  the  Great  Spirit,  and  recommended  that  a 
solemn  assembly  be  convened,  and  a  national  oblation 
offered  up. 

I  was  fully  confident  that  by  thus  countenancing 
such  pagan  superstitions  I  was  doing  very  wrong,  but, 


pie 

wa^ 

was 


JAMES    V.  BECKWOUKTII. 


319 


they 
•yiret 
)(lig- 
r  un- 
Kvi- 
l  my 
very 
\  that 
ation 
aught 
cased 
r  way 
»  apir- 
in  our 
iish  to 
brmcd 
it  thjit 
ic  mir- 

ill  agi- 
f  it  in 
mand- 
dmon- 
;  the 
dently 
of  his 
[ind  re- 
thence 
ase  the 
that  a 
blation 

lancing 
ng,  but, 


like  many  a  more  prominent  staleaman  in  civilized 
govcrnmentH,  1  had  found  that  I  must  go  witli  the  cur- 
rent, and  I  reconnncnded  a  measure,  not  because  it 
was  of  a  nature  to  benefit  the  country,  but  simply  ])e- 
cause  it  was  popuhir  with  the  mass. 

Tlie  camp  in  wliich  we  tlicn  were  was  a  mourning- 
camp,  in  wliich  medicine  would  have  no  ('(feet.  There- 
fore we  moved  to  Sulphur  River,  ten  miles  distant,  in 
order  to  offer  up  our  sacrifice.  All  the  leading  men 
and  braves  assembled,  and  I  was  consulted  as  to  the 
kind  of  offering  j)roj)er  to  make  for  the  purpose  of 
averting  the  wrath  that  was  consumine;  us.  1  ordered 
them  to  bring  the  great  medicine  kettle,  which  was  of 
brass,  and  capable  of  holding  ten  gallons,  and  was  pur- 
chased Jit  a  cost  of  twenty  fine  robes,  and  to  polish  it 
as  bright  as  the  sun's  face.  This  done,  I  ordered 
them  to  throw  in  all  their  most  costly  and  most  highly- 
prized  trinkets,  and  whatsoever  they  cherished  the 
most  dearly.  It  was  soon  filled  with  their  choicest 
treasures.  Keepsakes,  fancy  work  on  which  months 
of  incessant  and  patient  toil  had  been  expended,  trin- 
kets, jewels,  rings  so  highly  prized  by  them  that  the 
costliest  gems  of  emperors  seemed  poor  by  their  side — 
all  these  were  thrown  into  the  kettle,  along  with  a 
bountiful  contribution  of  fingers,  until  it  would  hold 
no  more.  I  then  had  weights  attached  to  it,  and  had 
it  carried  to  an  air-hole  in  the  ice  where  the  river  was 
very  deep,  and  there  it  was  sunk  with  becoming  cere- 
mony. Three  young  maidens,  habited  like  May 
queens,  carried  the  burden. 

This  gi'eat  sacrifice  completed,  the  minds  of  the  peo- 
ple were  relieved,  and  the  result  of  the  next  war-party 
was  anxiously  looked  forward  to  to  see  if  our  oblation 
was  accepted.     Their  crying,  however,  continued  unar 


320 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


bated,  so  much  to  the  derangement  of  my  nervous  sys- 
tem that  I  was  fain  to  retire  from  the  village  and  seek 
some  less  dolorous  companionship.  My  bosom  friend 
and  myself  therefore  started  off  unnoticed,  and  traveled 
on  without  stopping  until  we  came  to  a  hill  some 
seven  or  eight  miles  distant.  He  was  pre-eminently 
a  great  brave,  at  all  times  self-possessed  and  unobtru- 
sive. I  always  considered  him  as  endowed  with  the 
most  solid  sense,  and  possessing  the  clea^  est  views  of 
any  Indian  in  the  nation.  His  spirits  were  generally 
somewhat  dejected,  but  that  I  attributed  to  the  loss 
of  all  his  relatives.  When  I  wished  to  enjoy  a  little 
converse  or  sober  meditation,  he  always  was  my  chosen 
companion,  as  there  were  qualities  in  his  character 
which  interested  me  and  assimilated  with  my  own. 
He  never  craved  popularity,  never  envied  the  elevation 
of  others,  but  seemed  rather  to  rejoice  at  another  per- 
son's success.  He  would  listen  to  me  for  an  entire 
day  when  I  spoke  of  my  residence  with  the  whites, 
and  told  of  their  great  battles,  where  thousands  were 
slain  on  both  sides  ;  when  I  described  their  ships  car- 
rying immense  guns  capable  of  sweeping  hundreds  of 
men  away  at  a  discharge ;  and  when  I  depicted  to  him 
their  forts,  to  which  our  forts  for  size  or  strength  were 
but  as  ant-hills.  I  then  would  tell  him  of  the  great 
Atlantic  Ocean,  and  the  millions  of  white  men  living 
beyond  it ;  of  countries  where  there  was  no  summer, 
and  others  where  there  was  no  winter,  and  a  thousand 
otlier  marvels,  of  which  I  never  spoke  to  other  warriors, 
as  their  minds  were  too  limited  to  comprehend  me. 

After  listening  to  me  with  the  deepest  attention  until 
I  would  grow  tired  of  talking,  he  would  seem  to  be  per- 
fectly amazed,  and  would  I  e  lost  in  a  deep  reverie  for 
f^ome  time,  as  though  endeavoring  to  raise  his  ideas  to 


JAMES    P.  BECKWOUUTH. 


321 


us  sys- 
[id  seek 
1  friend 
raveled 
il  some 
linently 
.nobtrii- 
^ith  the 
lews  of 
enerally 
the  loss 
•  a  little 
Y chosen 
haraeter 
ly  own. 
devation 
ther  per- 
,n  entire 
whites, 
ids  were 
[lips  car- 
reds  of 
Id  to  him 
th  were 
,ie  great 
In  living 
summer, 
liousand 
rarriors, 

me. 

ion  until 

be  per- 

^erie  for 

1  ideas  to 


a  level  with  the  vast  matters  he  had  been  listening  to. 
Occasionally  he  would  tell  me  of  the  traditions  handed 
down  from  generation  to  generation  in  the  Indian  race, 
in  which  he  was  "  elegantly  learned."  He  told  me  of 
the  mighty  tribes  of  men  who  had  once  inhabited  this 
vast  continent,  but  were  now  exterminated  by  inter- 
necine wars ;  that  their  fathers  had  told  them  of  a 
great  flood,  which  had  covered  all  the  land,  except  the 
highest  peaks  of  the  mountains,  where  some  of  the  in- 
habitants and  the  buffaloes  resorted,  and  saved  them- 
selves from  destruction. 

We  were  on  a  hill,  as  before  mentioned,  some  seven 
or  eight  miles  from  the  village,  engaged  in  one  of  these 
long  cosmographical  discussions,  when  my  companion, 
chancing  to  turn  his  head,  descried  some  object  at  a 
great  distance.  Pointing  it  out  to  me  with  his  finger, 
"  There  is  a  people,"  he  exclaimed.  I  looked  in  the 
direction  indicated,  and  saw  a  small  party  of  Black 
Feet  approaching. 

"  Sit  still,"  said  I,  "  and  let  us  see  where  they  en- 
camp ;  w^e  will  have  every  one  of  them  to-night." 

We  watched  them  until  they  halted  at  a  couple  of 
small  Indian  forts,  with  which  the  country  abounds, 
and  we  saw  they  were  soon  joined  by  four  or  five  oth- 
ers who  came  from  another  direction,  and  who  were  ev- 
idently scouts.  From  the  direction  which  they  came, 
I  saw  they  had  not  discovered  our  village. 

"Now,"  said  I,  "let  us  return;  we  will  have  that 
party.  We  will  collect  a  few  trusty  warriors,  and  not 
mention  our  discovery  to  a  living  soul,  not  even  tell- 
ing our  warriors  the  errand  we  are  upon  until  we  get 
within  sight  of  the  camp-fires  of  the  enemy.  Then 
we  will  return  with  their  scalps,  and  put  an  end  to 
this  howling  that  deafens  my  ears." 

02 


322 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OP 


We  started  on  our  way  to  the  village.  I  desired 
him  to  select  from  his  friends,  and  I  would  assemble 
my  own. 

"No,"  said  he,  "my  friends  are  fools.  I  don't  want 
them.  But  you  collect  your  warriors,  and  I  will  be 
one  of  them." 

Accordingly,  I  went  to  my  father,  and  desired  him 
to  send  for  about  seventy-five  of  my  brothers  and  rel- 
atives, and  tell  them  the  Medicine  Calf  wished  to  see 
them ;  but  I  charged  him  not  to  tell  them  they  were 
going  a  vay  from  the  village.  As  they  mustered  one 
at  a  time,  I  acquainted  them  that  I  wanted  them  to 
leave  tiie  village  singly  and  with  the  utmost  secrecy, 
to  meet  me  with  their  guns  and  battle-axes  at  a  cer- 
tain hour  and  in  such  a  place,  and  in  the  mean  time  to 
answer  no  word  to  whatever  question  might  be  asked 
them. 

At  the  appointed  hour  I  repaired  to  the  post,  and 
found  them  all  in  readiness.  I  then  marched  them  to 
the  place  of  attack.  When  we  arrived  within  sight  of 
our  foes  we  found  them  all  very  merry ;  they  were  sing- 
ing the  Wolf  Song,  or  Song  of  the  Spies,  they  having 
no  suspicion  that  they  were  so  near  to  the  Crow  vil- 
lage. We  went  cautiously  up  to  the  forts,  which  were 
but  a  few  yards  apart ;  and  while  they  were  yet  sing- 
ing we  pointed  our  guns,  and,  at  a  signal  given  by  me. 
all  lired.  The  whole  party  were  slain ;  their  notes 
were  cut  short  in  death.  Taking  their  scalps  (nineteen 
in  number)  and  guns,  we  reached  our  village  by  day- 
light, and  entered  it  singing,  dancing,  and  shouting. 

The  village  was  aroused,  and  men,  women,  and  chil- 
dren came  running  from  all  directions  to  learn  the  cause 
of  the  disturbance.  We  displayed  our  nineteen  scalps, 
and  I  took  to  myself  full  credit  for  the  force  of  my 


JAMES    P.  BECKWOURTH. 


328 


nble 

want 
11  be 

L  him 
d  rel- 
;o  see 

were 
id  one 
em  to 
icrecy, 
a  cer- 
ime  to 

asked 

st,  and 
hem  to 
;htof 
e  sing- 
having 
ow  vil- 
2h  were 
3t  sing- 
hy  me. 
r  notes 
lineteen 
y  day- 
ting, 
d  chil- 
iie  cause 
scalps, 
of  my 


medicine  in  divining  where  to  find  the  foe,  and  cogni- 
zance was  taken  of  the  fact  in  the  medicine  lodse. 
We  liad  five  days'  dancing  to  do  full  justice  to  this 
brilliant  achievement,  and  I  had  become  so  tired  of 
their  continual  mourning  that  their  savage  yells  of  de- 
light seemed  quite  a  luxury. 

One  i.iglit  a  party  of  Black  Feet  came  to  borrow 
some  of  our  horses,  and  liappened  to  be  caught  in  the 
fact.  Tlie  alarm  was  given,  the  marauders  fired  upon, 
and  one  of  them  had  his  leg  broken  by  a  ball.  He 
was  found  the  next  morning,  unable  to  get  awaj^;  but 
lie  sat  up  and  defended  himself  until  he  had  shot  his 
last  arrow.  He  was  then  brought  into  the  village,  and 
it  was  decided  to  burn  him.  A  large  fire  was  built, 
which  was  surrounded  by  hundreds,  and  when  the  fire 
was  well  burnt  up  the  poor  fellow  was  thrown  in. 
This  was  the  first  act  of  the  kind  I  had  ever  known 
the  Crows  to  commit ;  but  there  was  no  preventing  it. 
It  is  an  appalling  sight  to  behold  a  human  being,  or 
even  an  inferior  animal,  perish  in  the  flames ;  I  trust 
my  eyes  may  never  witness  such  another  scene.  To 
see  the  writhing  agony  of  the  suffering  wretch  when 
cast  into  the  darting  flames,  and  hear  his  piercing 
slu-ieks  as  the  blaze  gradually  envelops  his  whole 
body,  until  the  life  is  scorched  out  of  the  victim,  and 
he  falls  prostrate  among  the  logs,  soon  to  become  a 
charred  mass  of  cinders  undistinguishable  from  the  el- 
ement that  consumed  it — it  is  indeed  a  sight  only  fit 
for  savages  to  look  at. 

I  learned  this  one  truth  while  I  was  with  the  In- 
dians, namely,  that  a  white  man  can  easily  become  an 
Indian,  but  that  an  Indian  could  never  become  a  white 
man.  Some  of  the  very  worst  savages  I  ever  saw  in 
the  Rocky  Mountains  were  white  men,  and  I  could 


:^24 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


mention  their  names  and  expose  some  of  their  deeds, 
but  they  have  most  probably  gone  to  their  final  ac- 
count before  this. 

Our  village  now  moved  on  toward  the  fort  to  pur- 
chase our  spring  supplies.  Both  villages  could  only 
raise  forty  packs  of  beaver  and  nineteen  hundred  pa-^ks 
of  robes ;  but  for  tlicir  continual  wars,  tiiey  could  as 
easily  have  had  ten  packs  for  one.  But  it  is  impos- 
sible to  confine  an  Indian  to  a  steady  pursuit — not  even 
fighting ;  after  a  while  he  will  even  tire  of  that.  It  is 
impossible  to  control  his  wayward  impulses ;  applica- 
tion to  profitable  industry  is  foreign  to  his  nature.  He 
is  a  vagrant,  and  he  must  wander ;  he  has  no  associa- 
tions to  attach  him  to  one  spot ;  he  has  no  engendered 
habits  of  thrift  or  productiveness  to  give  him  a  constant 
aim  or  concentration  of  purpose. 

Both  villages  at  length  assembled  at  the  new  fort, 
and  our  spring  trading  was  briskly  entered  into.  We 
rested  for  over  a  week,  and  I  then  proposed  moving,  as 
the  time  was  approaching  for  our  building  a  new  medi- 
cine lodge.  The  night  preceding  our  proposed  depart- 
ure, thieves  were  discovered  among  our  horses ;  the 
alarm  was  given,  and  a  party  went  in  pursuit.  They 
returned  with  six  Sioux  scalps,  and  two  of  our  own 
men  wounded.  The  remainder  of  the  rascals  succeed- 
ed in  getting  away  with  sixteen  of  our  animals,  we  not 
considering  them  worth  follo^ving  after. 

We  then  postponed  oiu*  departure  four  days,  and  de- 
voted ourselves  to  noise  and  festivity.  The  welkin 
ning  with  our  shouts,  and  the  fort  shook  with  the  thun- 
der of  our  earthquake  step. 


JAMES    P.  BECKWOURTH. 


32/ 


;> 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

Removal  to  our  Tobacco-ground.-Expedition  to  the  Arrap-a-hos  for 
Horses. -Discovered,  and  the  Party  scattered.  -  Wanderings  for 
fourteen  Months.-Return  at  last  amid  tremendous  Rejoicing 

We  left  tlic  fort,  and  proceeded  toward  our  tobacco- 
ground.  We  planted  the  seed,  and  spent  a  short  time 
m  festivity.  It  was  deemed  inexpedient  to  build  a 
medicine  lodge  this  season,  as  all  the  business  could  be 
transacted  in  a  temporary  one. 

Our  stock  of  horses  being  greatly  diminished,  we 
deemed  this  a  fitting  time  to  try  and  replenish  it,  and 
various  small  parties  sallied  out  for  that  purpose.     I 
left  with  only  seventeen  wan-iors  for  the  country  of  the 
Arrap-a-hos,  situated  on  the  head-waters  of  the  Arkan- 
sas.     On  arriving  at  their  village  we  found  a  great 
number  of  horses,  upon  which  we  made  a  descent;  but 
we  were  discovered  before  we  could  lay  our  hands  on 
any,  and  had  to  scatter  in  all  directions  in  our  effort  to 
escape.     One  of  our  party  had  his  leg  broken  with  a 
rifle  ball,  but  he  did  not  fall  into  the  enemy's  hands,  as 
lie  crawled  away  and  secreted  himself.     Two  months 
subsequently  he  found  his  way  home,  with  his  leg  near- 
ly healed.     He  stated  that,  after  receiving  his  wound, 
he  plunged  into  the  river,  which  flowed  close  by,  and 
swam  to  an  island,  there  concealing  himself  in  a  thick 
brush.      The  enemy  moved  away  the  next  day,  and 
lie  swam  back  to  thdr  camping-ground,  where  he  found 
an  abundance  jf  meat,  which  he  carried  over  to  his 
quarters;    upon  this  he  fared  sumptuously  until  he 


.n2() 


AITTOniOGRAPHY    OF 


was  .strong  enough  to  walk;  then  Jio  made  hia  way 
home. 

I  saw  tlie  villag<'  move  the  next  monn'ng,  and,  gath- 
eri.  <2'  t'our  ot'mv  scattered  eompanions,  I  followed  tiie  en- 
emy  at  a  respectt'nl  (Ustance  until  they  oneamped  lor  the 
next  night.  We  then  made  another  descent  upon  their 
J'old,  anil  sneeeeded  in  obtaining  eaeh  man  a  horse.  Wi; 
saw  no  more  ot'  the  remains  of  our  ]»arty  until  Ave  re- 
lunKvl  to  our  village  upward  of  a  year  suhs(M|uently. 

Wo  eame  to  the  resolution  to  quit  the  .\rra|)-a-lioa, 
and  pay  the  Snakes  a  visit.  On  reaeliing  them  avc 
found  horses  in  ahundanee,  and  could  have  levied  upon 
them  for  any  numl)er;  hut,  being  at  ])eace  with  tlie 
trihc,  we  contented  ourselves  with  exchanging  our  jaded 
and  foot-sore  animals  for  tive  tVcsh  ones  from  their  drove. 
Here  we  drop|)ed  an  arrow,  and  they  recogni/,c(l  it  for 
a  Crow  arrow  reaihly  ;  Ave  also  ])ut  on  new  moccasins, 
and  left  our  old  ones  behind  us.  AMien  the  Snakes 
i'ell  in  Avith  the  CroAvs  some  time  after,  they  charged 
them  Avith  stealing  their  horses,  Avhich  charge  tlie  C/roAVS 
strenucmsly  denied.  '^IMie  Snakes  ])ersisted,  and,  to 
contirm  their  accusation,  produced  the  arroAV  and  the 
abandoninl  n\occasins.  This  satistied  the  Crows  thai 
it  nmst  he  some  of  the  Arrap-a-ho  expedition,  and  hopes 
of  our  sat'ety  Avere  revived. 

From  the  Snakes  Ave  ])assed  on  to  tlie  Flat  Head 
territory,  Avhere  avc  found  thousands  of  horses,  but  felt 
ourselves  under  the  same  moral  restrictions  as  Avith  the 
Snakes.  Vccordingly,  aa'G  merely  exchanged  again,  and 
again  left  hvc  pairs  of  moccasins.  Subsequently  they 
made  the  same  charge  against  the  CroAA^s,  and  accused 
them  of  infringing  the  treaty.  The  CroAvs  again  plead- 
ed innocence,  and  a&ain  the  moccasins  convicted  them 
of  their  guilt.     They,  however,  resorted  to  diplomatic 


JAMES    P.   nECKWOlIRTU. 


327 


fjiessr,,  aiul  ..:'  a|)])rul  to  .'iriiiH  was  averted.  Again 
tlu;ir  liOj)os  were  rekindled  of  .seeing  us  once  more. 

We  tlien  took  a  notion  to  pay  tiic  Coutnees  a  fly- 
ing visit,  where  we  made  another  exchange.  Wc  could 
have  taken  all  the  horses  we  wanted,  hut,  to  get  home 
witli  them,  we  must  have  taken  a  wide  circuit,  or  have 
passed  through  the  lerritory  of  two  hostile  nations. 
"We  next  moved  lo  the  As-ne-boine  Iliver,  which  emp- 
ties into  Hudson's  Bay.  Here  we  borrowed  one  hund- 
red and  fifty  head  of  hne  horses  from  the  Blood  Indians, 
and  started  on  our  way  home.  Wc  arrived,  without 
accident,  at  the  IMussel  Shell  liiver,  within  one  day's 
ride  of  our  own  people,  where  wc  encamped,  intending 
to  reach  liome  the  next  day  ;  but  that  night  the  Crows 
swept  away  every  liorse  we  had,  not  even  leaving  us 
one  for  our  own  use.  AV' c  nmst  liave  slept  very  sound- 
ly during  the  night ;  indeed,  wc  were  all  greatly  fa- 
tigued, for  we  did  not  hear  a  single  movement.  In 
getting  our  liorses,  they  glorified  themselves  over  hav- 
ing made  a  glorious  haul  from  the  JMack  Feet. 

Not  liking  to  be  foiled  in  our  resolution  to  return 
home  with  a  respectabki  accompaniment  of  horses,  we 
retraced  our  steps  to  tlie  As-ne-boine  River,  intending 
to  start  another  drove.  On  our  return  we  found  our 
friends  had  left,  and  had  crossed  to  the  other  side  of 
tiie  mountain.  Wc  followed  on,  but  delayed  so  long 
on  the  western  slope,  that  the  heavy  snow-storms  now 
falling  cut  off  all  possibility  of  returning  home  before 
spring ;  therefore  we  built  a  comfortable  lodge  in  what 
was  called  Sweet  jMountain,  in  a  cafion,  where  we 
could  kill  a  buffalo  every  day,  the  skins  of  which,  cov- 
ered entirely  over  our  lodge,  made  a  very  agreeable 
abode  for  the  winter.  We  also  killed  several  large 
wolves,  and  dressed  their  skins  in  the  nicest  manner. 


328 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OP 


We  likewise  took  three  Black  Foot  scalps.  The  In- 
dians whose  horses  we  had  been  in  pursuit  of,  after 
having  roamed  about  considerably,  had  gone  into  win- 
ter quarters  only  twelve  or  lifteen  miles  distant ;  their 
smoke  was  visible  from  our  lodge.  On  the  return  of 
spring  we  visited  our  neighbors'  camp,  and  selected 
one  hundred  and  twenty  head  of  sucli  horses  as  wc 
thought  would  stand  the  journey.  We  then  returned 
over  the  mountain,  and  reached  as  far  as  the  Judith  in 
safety,  which  was  within  three  days'  ride  of  the  village. 
We  were  greatly  fatigued,  and  halted  to  encamp  for  the 
night  and  rest  our  jaded  horses.  Agair  the  Crows 
stripped  us  of  every  horse,  leaving  us  on  fcot  once 
more.  Resolved  not  to  be  beat,  we  determined  to  try 
our  luck  a  third  time  before  we  returned  to  our  village. 
I  told  my  four  companions  that  my  medicine  promised 
me  success,  and  that  when  we  did  eventually  get  home 
we  should  be  able  to  see  what  amount  of  aifection  was 
felt  toward  us  by  our  people,  by  ascertaining  how 
much  crying  had  been  done  for  us. 

I  had  no  doubt  w'e  had  been  mourned  as  dead,  for 
we  had  been  absent  above  a  year.  During  this  time, 
we  subsequently  learned,  there  had  been  great  mourn- 
ing for  us,  and  many  had  cut  off  their  hair.  My  fa- 
ther, however,  still  persisted  that  I  was  alive,  and 
would  some  day  return,  and  he  would  allow  none  of 
his  family  to  cut  off  their  fingers  for  me.  At  the  time 
the  Flat  Heads  went  in  wuth  their  complaint,  they 
were  about  to  elect  another  chief  to  fill  my  place  ;  but 
when  they  saw  tlie  five  pairs  of  moccasins  produced, 
they  knew  they  must  have  had  Crow  wearers,  and 
their  hopes  were  revived  of  again  seeing  us,  and  tlie 
election  ceremony  was  postponed.  My  father  would 
have  no  steps  taken  toward  filling  my  vacant  place  be- 


JAMES    P.   BECKWOIRTH. 


321) 


fore  tlie  erection  of  the  next  medicine  lodge.  He  said 
he  did  not  know  where  his  Calf  hud  rambled,  and  it 
was  his  firm  belief  that  in  the  course  of  time  he  would 
ramble  home  again. 

When  we  reached  the  As-ne-boine  for  the  third  time, 
we  found  that  our  friends  who  had  accommodated  us 
with  the  two  previous  droves  of  horses  had  gone  over 
the  irountain,  and  passed  down  that  river  to  Fort  Row, 
one  of  the  Hudson's  Bay  trading-posts.  By  the  ap- 
pearance of  their  trail  we  judged  that  they  had  been 
joined  by  other  villages,  probably  from  the  Coutnees 
and  Pa-gans,  all  on  their  way  to  the  trading-post  for 
tlie  purchase  of  their  spring  supply  of  goods.  Wo 
followed  their  trail  for  several  days,  which  grew  fresh- 
er and  fresher,  until  one  afternoon  we  came  suddenly 
upon  a  horse.  We  were  at  that  time  in  thick  timber, 
with  a  dense  growth  of  underbrush,  and  thousands  of 
wild  pea-vines  about. 

On  seeing  the  horse  we  halted  suddenly.  On  look- 
ing farther  around,  we  discovered  horses  of  all  colors 
and  stripes,  ring-streaked  and  speckled.  Shortly  the 
sound  of  voices  reached  our  ears.  In  an  instant  we 
stooped  down  and  crept  under  the  almost  impenetra- 
ble vines,  nor  did  we  venture  to  move  from  our  hiding- 
place  until  night.  We  could  distinctly  hear  the  chat- 
ter of  men,  women,  and  children  around  us,  and  some 
of  the  squaws  came  most  dangerously  near  when  gath- 
ering tire-wood  for  their  camp-fires.  We  could  occa- 
sionally peep  out,  and  we  saw  in  those  glimpses  that 
they  had  beautiful  horses,  and,  besides,  that  they  were 
in  good  traveling  condition.  We  then  felt  no  doubt 
that  the  Coutnees  were  in  company,  since  they  al- 
ways prided  themselves  in  spotted  horses,  as  Jacob 
of  old  took  pride  in  spotted  cattle.     In  that  encamp- 


330 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF 


ment  it  so  little  entered  into  their  heads  to  anticipate 
nioleatation  that  they  had  placed  no  ho»se-guards  to 
keep  watch. 

Tlie  noise  of  the  horses  in  tearing  through  the  pea- 
vines  assisted  us  materially  in  our  nocturnal  enter- 
prise. We  selected  two  hundred  and  eighty  of  their 
largest,  strongest,,  ar  ^  handsomest  cattle,  with  which 
we  lost  no  time  in  making  direct  for  Crow-land ;  nor 
did  we  venture  to  give  rest  to  their  hoofs  until  a  jour- 
ney, continued  through  three  days  and  nights,  placed 
what  we  considered  a  safe  distance  between  us.  We 
then  ventured  to  encamp  for  the  niglit,  to  afford  to  the 
poor  tired-out  animals  an  opportunity  to  rest  for  a 
while,  but  starting  off  at  early  dawn  to  preclude  all 
possibility  of  recapture. 

On  the  fifth  day  we  discovered  an  Indian  a  short 
^stance  from  our  trail,  who  was  coming  in  an  oblique 
direction  toward  us.  lie  stopped  on  the  hill-side  at 
some  little  distance  off,  and  motioned  for  us  to  ap- 
proach him.  Supposing  him  to  be  a  Crow,  I  desired 
my  companions  to  drive  on,  while  I  went  to  see  what 
he  wanted.  When  I  had  approached  within  a  few 
yards  of  him,  he  put  on  an  air  of  surprise,  and  placed 
his  hand  to  his  shoulder  with  the  intention  of  drawing 
his  bow.  I  sprang  upon  him  instantly  and  cut  him 
down,  and  despoiled  him  of  his  scalp  and  quiver. 
When  about  to  leave  to  overtake  my  companions,  I 
perceived  the  distant  smoke  of  a  Black  Foot  village  sit- 
uated immediately  in  the  direction  that  we  were  jour- 
neying, and  it  was  beyond  doubt  that  the  Indian  I 
had  just  killed  was  a  spy  belonging  to  that  village. 
He  must  have  mistaken  us  for  some  of  his  own  tribe, 
and  only  discovered  his  mistake  when  I  approached 
near  enough  for  him  to  distinguish  my  features. 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


3:n 


ticipate 
ards  to 

the  pca- 
l  entcr- 
of  their 
ii  which 
nd ;  nor 
I  a  jour- 
5,  placed 
IS.  We 
•d  to  the 
!St  for  a 
jlude  all 

.  a  short 
I  oblique 
l-side  at 
s  to  ap- 
[  desired 
see  what 
in  a  few 
id  placed 
'  drawing 
cut  him 
quiver, 
anions,  I 
illage  sit- 
rere  jour- 
Indian  I 
t  village, 
wn  tribe, 
(proached 
Ires. 


My  companions  returning  to  mc,  wo  altered  our 
course,  and  passed  over  a  mountain  covered  with  deep 
snow,  so  hard,  liowever,  that  we  passed  it  without  los- 
ing a  horse.  Tliis  was  one  of  the  spurs  of  tlie  Eocky 
]\Iountains,  and  covered  with  perpetual  snows. 

After  sixteen  days  of  almost  incessant  travel  day 
and  night,  we  came  in  siglit  of  our  village  just  as  the 
sun  was  sinking  behind  the  distant  mountains.  We 
approached  within  a  mile  of  the  village,  and  encamped 
under  a  small  hill,  as  yet  unperceived  by  our  people, 
for  the  hill  in  the  shelter  of  which  we  lay  was  between 
ourselves  and  the  village.  It  was  now  the  latter  end 
of  June  (I  think),  in  the  year  1834. 

After  resting  a  while,  T  thought  to  get  some  tobac- 
co, to  indulge  in  a  smoke  before  making  our  grand 
entree,  at  the  same  time  requesting  my  companions 
to  keep  a  sharp  look-out,  and  see  that  the  Crows  did 
not  steal  our  horses  again.  Finally,  three  of  us  en- 
tered incog.,  and  smoked  with  several  of  the  old  men, 
not  one  of  whom  recognized  us  or  once  thought  of  us. 
We  passed  all  through  the  village,  looking  leisurely 
about  us ;  the  streets  were  full  of  people,  yet  not  one 
bestowed  a  thought  on  us.  When  it  became  some- 
what late,  and  the  inhabitants  had  principally  retired, 
I  dismissed  my  two  companions  to  the  camp,  telling 
them  I  would  get  some  tobacco,  and  rejoin  them  in  a 
short  time.  I  then  entered  the  lodge  of  one  of  my 
wives,  who  was  asleep  in  bed.  I  shook  her  by  the 
arm,  and  aroused  her. 

Waking,  she  inquired,  "  Who  is  this  in  the  lodge  ?" 

I  answered,  "It  is  your  husband." 

"I  never  had  but  one  husband,"  she  replied,  "and 
he  is  dead." 

"No,"saidI,  "lamhe." 


a32 


AUTOBIOQRAJMIY    OF 


"  You  arn  not  dead,  'lien,  ns  we  liave  believed?" 

"No,"  I  said;  "I  have  been  wandering  a  long 
■while,  and  have  only  just  returned." 

*'  VVe  all  mourned  you,"  .she  continued,  *'  many 
moona  ago,  and  wc  all  mourn  you  now  every  day. 
VVe  believed  that  the  enemy  had  killed  you." 

"  No,"  I  said,  "  [  escaped.  I  have  now  brouglit 
home  a  large  drove  of  beautiful  spotted  horses,  and  it" 
you  will  do  as  1  wish  you,  you  shall  have  your  choice 
of  the  whole  drove,  and  you  will  become  a  medicine 
woman  also." 

"  1  will  do  what  you  wish  me,"  she  replied. 

"  Well,  1  want  you,  when  you  get  up  in  the  morn- 
ing, to  re(|uest  i\n\  village  to  refrain  from  crying  for 
one  sun.  Tell  them  that  you  dreamed  that  I  eanio 
lionu^.  riding  a  large  and  spotted  horse,  having  the  oth- 
er four  men  with  me ;  that  wc  had  nearly  three  hund- 
red of  the  most  beautiful  horses  you  evei  saw,  and 
that  we  rode  with  large  wolf-skins  spread  oi  horses' 
backs,  mine  being  as  white  as  the  drifted  snow." 

She  agreed  to  do  all  as  I  had  bidden  her;  I  then 
left  her  lodge  ;  but,  before  quitting  the  village,  I  called 
in  at  my  father's  lodge.  All  was  still  around,  and,  en- 
tering on  tip-toe,  I  reached  down  the  medicine  shield, 
which  no  one  but  his  wife  or  eldest  son  is  privileged 
to  handle,  and,  opening  it,  1  took  out  all  his  medicine 
tobacco,  carrying  it  back  to  the  camp  with  me,  and 
then  reidaced  the  shield  upon  its  peg.  I  then  return- 
ed to  our  camp,  and  enjoyed  a  good  smoke  with  my 
companions,  our  spirits  waxing  elate  at  the  surprise  we 
had  in  store. 

Early  the  next  morning,  the  woman,  true  to  her 
word,  narrated  her  dream  to  the  astonished  inhabit- 
ants, with  whatever  additions  her  own  fancy  suggest- 


.lAMKS    I'.   IIKCKWOIUTH. 


333 


a  lono; 

*♦  many 
ry  day. 

I,  ami  if 
ir  choic.o. 
iicdicino 


le  inorn- 
rying  for 
L  1  canio 
r  the  oth- 
i-cc  liuiul- 
saw,  aiul 
•  horses* 

t)W. 

I  then 
,  I  called 
,  and,  cn- 
nc  shield, 
privileged 
medicine 
I  me,  and 
en  return- 
5  with  my 
urprise  we 

•ue  to  her 
;d  inhabit- 
y  suggest- 


ed. ]\Iy  lather  and  niotlior  lintenc'd  attentively  to  her 
revelation  ;  and,  hotitre  hIic,  liad  got  througli  with  her 
narrative,  she  iuul  quite  a  nunicroiiH  auditory,  Wc 
were  watching  the  occurrence  from  the  brow  of  the 
Itill ;  and,  knowing  she  would  have  to  rehearse  her 
vision  several  times  before  it  was  generally  known 
throughout  the  village,  wc  did  not  hurry  to  show  our- 
selves. 

My  fiither  and  motlicr,  having  heard  her  through, 
turned  and  entered  their  lodge.  Suddenly  the  medi- 
cine shield  caught  my  mother's  eye — it  had  evidently 
been  moved.  My  father  to^k  it  down  and  opened  it 
— tUe  tobacco  was  gone.  This  0})ened  the  "old  gcn- 
tlcnian's''  eyes.  "  It  is  well,"  he  said ;  "  my  son 
lives  I"  and  he  believed  the  substance  of  the  dream  as 
fervently  as  the  prophetess  who  uttered  it.  The  by- 
standers, seeing  his  medicine  so  strong,  and  he  be- 
ginning to  sing  and  dance,  they  all  Joined  in,  until  the 
noise  of  their  revelry  reached  us  on  our  distant  em- 
inence. 

Now  was  our  time.  We  mounted  our  caparisoned 
steeds,  and,  forming  oursdves  in  procession,  we  com- 
menced our  grtand  entree^  singing  and  shouting  at  the 
top  of  our  voices.  Our  tones  are  heard,  and  the  vil- 
lagers gaze  around  in  surprise.  "Hark  I"  they  ex- 
claimed; "look  yonder!  there  are  five  men  mounted 
on  large  spotted  steeds.     Who  are  they  ?" 

All  was  hushed  as  the  grave  in  the  village,  each 
striving  to  catch  the  sound  of  oar  distant  strains.  The 
five  horsemen  disappeared  as  if  by  magic,  and  reap- 
peared driving  a  large  drove  of  horses  before  them  of 
all  colors.  The  horsemen  again  pause  on  the  summit. 
"Hark!  listen!  they  sing  again  !    Who  can  they  be?" 

Not  a  soul  yet  stirred  from  the  village.    We  drove 


334 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


our  horses  down  toward  them,  and  left  them  there, 
while  we  took  a  circuit  around,  displaying  our  scalps, 
but  still  keeping  over  gunshot  distance.  The  old  men 
came  out  to  us,  carrying  drums;  each  of  us  took  one, 
and  then  we  bounded  away  to  the  rear  of  our  horses. 
We  raised  a  well-known  song,  and  all  listened  to  the 
tones  of  the  returning  Medicine  Calf.  At  length  our 
wives  and  relatives  broke  away  from  the  throng,  and 
darted  over  the  plain  to  meet  us.  They  fairly  flew 
over  the  intervening  space  to  welcome  us  in  their  arms. 
A  tall  sister  of  mine  outstripped  the  rest,  and  arrived 
first,  and  immediately  after  my  little  wife  was  also  by 
my  side.  After  a  warm  grouting  exchanged  with  tliese, 
the  warriors  came  up,  and  saluted  us  with  a  shout  that 
would  have  aroused  Napoleon's  Old  Guard  from  their 
graves.  We  were  lifted  from  our  horses,  and  almost 
denuded  of  our  clothing,  and  carried  by  the  impetuous 
throng  into  the  village.  My  father  had  painted  his 
face  into  an  exact  resemblance  of  Satan,  in  token  of 
his  joy  at  my  happy  return.  I  was  kissed  and  caress- 
ed by  my  mother,  sisters,  and  wives  until  I  fairly  gasp- 
ed for  breath. 

Any  person  who  has  never  beheld  a  real  downright 
rejoicing  among  savages  can  form  buv  a  faint  concep- 
tion of  their  unrestrained  manifestations  ;  words  can 
convey  no  adequate  idea  of  it.  Being  untutored  and 
natural,  and  not  restricted  by  any  considerations  of 
grace  or  propriety,  they  abandon  themselves  to  their 
emotions,  and  no  gesture  is  too  exaggerated,  no  dem- 
onstration too  violent  for  them  to  resort  to. 

My  friend,  with  many  others,  had  given  me  up  for 
dead,  and  had  adopted  another  in  my  place ;  so  that 
there  were  now  three  of  us  who  all  knew  one  anoth- 
er's secrets.     Pine  Leaf  was  overjoyed  at  my  return. 


JAMES   P.   BECKWOURTH. 


335 


there, 
5calps, 
.d  men 
k  one, 
lorses. 
to  the 
jth  our 
ig,  and 
ly  flew 
r  arms, 
arrived 
also  by 
1  tljfise, 
)ut  that 
m  their 
.  almost 
petuous 
ited  his 
oken  of 
L  caress- 
ly  gasp- 

iwnright 
concep- 
)rds  can 
ored  and 
tions  of 
to  their 
no  dem- 

le  up  for 
;  so  that 
18  anoth- 
y  return. 


She  had  become  confident  of  my  death,  and  was  only 
waiting  to  ascertain  the  nation  that  had  killed  me  in 
order  to  revenge  my  loss,  or  be  sacrificed  to  my  ma- 
nes. Couriers  were  immediately  dispatched  to  the  oth- 
er village  to  acquaint  them  with  our  return,  and  to  in- 
vite them  to  participate  in  the  celebrations  of  the  event. 
Long  Hair  returned  for  answer,  "  Tell  my  brother  I 
will  fly  to  see  him."  They  lost  six  warriors  on  their 
way  to  our  village,  through  carelessly  straggling  in  de- 
tached parties,  consequently  they  came  to  us  in  mourn- 
ing for  their  loss. 

The  two  droves  of  horses  which  the  Crows  had  re- 
leased us  of  were  all  religiously  returned.  Those  that 
tlie  captors  had  given  away  were  promptly  delivered 
up,  so  that  we  were  now  in  possession  of  a  very  nu- 
merous drove.  I  distributed  my  share  among  my  rel- 
atives, friends,  wives,  and  wives'  relatives,  until  I  had 
only  just  enough  for  my  own  use.  I  gr.ve  my  fatlier 
an  elegant  steed,  the  largest  in  the  whole  drove.  To 
the  heroine  I  gave  a  spotted  four-year-old,  a  perfect 
beauty,  one  that  I  had  intended  for  her  as  we  were 
driving  them  home.  He  proved  to  be  a  superior  war- 
horse,  and  there  were  but  few  among  the  thousands 
that  we  possessed  that  could  distance  him  with  her 
upon  his  back.  She  was  very  proud  of  him,  and  would 
suffer  no  one  but  herself  to  ride  hira. 

It  took  me  a  long  time  to  rehearse  all  our  adven- 
tures while  away.  I  was  required  to  do  it  very  mi- 
nutely and  circumstantially — even  to  describe  all  our 
camping-grounds,  and  relate  every  minute  occurrence 
that  transpired  during  our  long  pilgiimage. 

We  had  certainly  incurred  exceeding  risk  in  the 
route  we  had  traveled;  in  recurring  to  it  I  marveled 
at  our  escape.     Any  five  men  might  start  upon  such 


336 


AUTOBIOGllAl'HY   OF 


an  adventure,  and  not  one  party  in  ten  would  ever  re- 
turn. I  reflected,  however,  that  I  was  a  little  more  sa- 
gacious than  the  Indians,  and  that  I  had  my  physical 
faculties  as  well  developed  as  theirs.  I  could  see  fully 
as  quick  as  they  could,  and  ride  as  fast,  if  they  under- 
took to  chase  me  in  the  mountains. 

I  now  found  that  I  had  thousands  of  friends,  wheth- 
er attracted  by  my  fancy  horses  or  not,  and  that  I  was 
the  idol  of  my  proud  parents.  The  mother  of  Black 
Panther  always  lived  with  my  father,  and  if  both  sur- 
vive, I  presume  she  does  to  this  day.  I  gave  him  the 
child  when  it  was  quite  young,  to  adopt  as  his  son, 
in  obedience  to  his  reiterated  solicitations. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

Excursion  to  the  Fort. — Great  Battle  with  the  Cheyenncs  on  the 
Way. — Rejoicing  on  my  Arrival  at  the  Fort. — Horses  stolen  by  the 
Cheyennes. — Pursuit  and  Battle  with  the  Thieves. — Battle  with  the 
Black  Feet. — Return  to  our  Village. 

When  the  rejoicings  were  over,  a  council  was  call- 
ed to  deliberate  on  the  future  operations  of  the  nation, 
wherein  the  resolution  was  taken  to  keep  united  until 
Leaf  Fall.  About  the  latter  end  of  August  I  started 
for  the  fort,  taking  with  me  thlree  hundred  and  fifty 
warriors,  with  as  many  women  and  children,  among 
whom  was  my  little  wife.  While  on  our  way  thither, 
we  encamped  one  night  on  Fallen  Creek,  and  lost  up- 
ward of  fifty  horses,  stolen  by  the  Cheyennes.  We 
pursued  them  with  our  whole  force,  and,  soon  overtak- 
ing them,  a  fight  ensued  between  numbers  about  equal. 
I  had  charged  in  advance  of  the  line,  and,  as  I  was  al- 
ways dressed  in  full  costume  when  on  these  excur- 


JAMES   1'.   BECKWOURTH. 


337 


er  re- 
re  sa- 
ysical 
s  fully 
inder- 

dietli- 
1  was 
Black 
;h  sur- 
im  the 
LS  son, 


s  on  the 

en  by  the 

with  the 


as  call- 
nation, 
ed  until 
started 
nd  fifty 

among 
thither, 
lost  up- 
s.  We 
f>vertak- 
it  equal. 

was  al- 
excur- 


sions,  I  oftered  an  excellent  mark  to  any  one  skilled 
in  shooting.  I  was  proceeding  at  an  easy  canter,  when 
my  horse  was  shot  through  the  head,  the  ball  entering 
near  the  ear,  and  he  fell,  his  last  spring  hurling  me 
head  foremost  against  a  huge  rock,  which  I  struck  with 
such  force  that  I  saw  another  dense  meteoric  shower, 
and  the  blood  gushed  from  my  mouth,  nose,  and  ears. 
When  I  recovered  my  senses  I  found  both  parties  over 
me,  each  struggling  to  obtain  me.  The  Crows  pre- 
vailed eventually,  and  my  scalp  was  saved.  My  war- 
riors were  fully  convinced  of  my  death,  as  I  lay  so  long 
motionless ;  but  they  were  determined  to  preserve  my 
scalp.  The  enemy,  seeing  our  women  and  children 
approach,  mistook  them  for  a  re-enforcement  of  Crow 
warriors,  and  they  gave  up  the  contest  and  fled  precip- 
itately, leaving  us  masters  of  the  field,  with  all  the 
liorses  they  had  just  stolen  from  us,  besides  a  great 
number  of  their  own,  which  they  had  not  time  to  drive 
off.  We  only  obtained  three  scalps  from  the  enemy, 
losing  none  ourselves,  though  we  had  several  warriors 
wounded. 

We  then  resumed  our  journey  to  the  fort,  reaching 
there  without  farther  trouble.  When  we  arrived  with- 
in sight  and  hearing,  we,  as  usual,  struck  up  a  song. 
All  the  women  from  the  fort  ran  out,  exclaiming,  "  Here 
comes  a  war-party  of  the  Crows ;  they  are  singing  1 
Look  at  their  scalps :  they  come  from  the  country  of 
the  Cheyennes ;  they  have  conquered  our  enemies. 
See,  they  are  all  painted !" 

I  had  long  been  supposed  dead  at  the  fort.  It  was 
conjectured  that  Big  Bowl  (my  father)  had  the  conduct 
of  the  party,  and  there  was  no  inquiry  made  for  me. 
We  entered  amid  a  thousand  How  d'ye  do's,  and  my 
wife  and  "Little  Jim"  were  comfortably  provided  with 

P 


338 


AUTOBIOUKAl'lIY   OP 


the  best  qu.arters  in  the  fort.  I  was  standing  among 
the  busy  throng,  who  had  already  fallen  to  admire  the 
new  goods,  still  feeling  the  effects  of  my  severe  shake, 
when  1  saw  one  of  the  female  inmates  eye  me  very  in- 
(^iiiringly.  She  inquired  of  my  wife  who  that  Indian 
was.     She  answered,  "lie  is  my  husband." 

"  What !  are  you  married  again  V"  the  woman  ex- 
claimed, in  astonishment. 

"  No,  not  «</«//*,"  she  replied,  in  her  very  modest 
manner ;  "  did  you  not  know  that  the  Medicine  Calf 
was  alive  and  had  returned  ?" 

"  Then  that  surely  is  the  Medicine  Calf,"  the  wom- 
an exclaimed,  "now  standing  in  the  fort!"  and  ran  to 
Mr.  Tulleck  to  acquaint  him  with  the  news. 

"Where  is  he?  where  is  the  Medicine  Calf?"  Mr. 
Tulleck  called  aloud,  and  looking  among  the  tlirong 
without  perceiving  me. 

I  addressed  him  in  English,  calling  him  by  name. 

I  thought  at  iirst  that  he  would  fall  to  the  ground ; 
it  was  some  seconds  before  he  could  sjjeak,  his  aston- 
ishment was  so  overwhelming.  At  last  he  found 
tongue,  and  broke  out  in  all  kinds  of  expressions  of 
joy  and  welcome.  The  men,  too,  attached  to  the  fort, 
on  hearing  of  my  arrival,  came  running  in  with  their 
utmost  speed  to  welcome  one  whom  they  had  all  long 
since  supposed  dead.  So  heartfelt  a  welcome  I  could 
not  have  expected.  Little  Jim  had  been  taken  from  his 
mother's  hand  before  it  was  known  that  I  was  present. 
He  was  a  general  pet  at  the  fort,  and  it  usually  took 
one  good  horse  to  carry  all  the  presents  bestowed  upon 
mother  and  child.  He  was  then  near  three  years  old, 
running  every  where,  and  was  already  looked  upon  by 
the  Crows  as  their  future  chief. 

We  tarried  at  the  fort  a  few  days,  engaged  in  hunt- 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTII. 


339 


OTlg 

the 
a,ke, 
r'm- 
dian 

L   CX- 

Ddest 
Calf 

wom- 
an to 

"  Mr. 

lirong 

ame. 
ound ; 
astoii- 

found 
9ns  of 
fort, 
their 

I  long 
could 

om  his 
iresent. 

y  took 

d  upon 
lars  old, 

pon  by 


le 


n 


hunt- 


ing buffalo  for  its  men  and  our  own  family.  Our  con- 
sumption -was  several  carcasses  a  day.  During  my 
long  absence  the  Crows  had  neglected  their  traps,  and 
they  had  not  dressed  more  than  half  the  usual  number 
of  robes,  which  caused  a  sensible  falling  off  in  tlie  trade 
of  the  fort,  and  diminished  very  materially  the  prolits 
derived  by  the  company  from  Fort  Cass.  No  reduc- 
tion, however,  was  made  in  my  salary  on  account  of 
my  absence,  which  1  considered  very  liberal  conduct 
on  the  part  of  the  company. 

My  warriors,  becoming  uneasy  at  their  inactive  life, 
desired  to  be  led  against  the  Black  Feet.  To  gratify 
them,  I  selected  one  hundred  and  six  warriors,  and 
sent  the  others  back  to  the  village  with  the  women  and 
children,  except  my  wife,  whom  I  requested  to  stay  at 
the  fort  to  await  my  return.  We  marched  into  the 
enemy's  country,  and  in  the  daytime  came  suddenly 
upon  one  of  their  villages.  Tiierc  were  lodges  enough 
to  contain  three  hundred  warriors,  but  tliey  were  prob- 
ably gone  upon  an  expedition,  for  there  were  but  few 
present  to  receive  us.  We  unhesitatingly  assaulted  it, 
although  we  had  but  little  fighting  to  do.  We  took 
upward  of  twenty  scalps,  and  eighteen  women  and  chil- 
dren prisoners.  We  captured  two  hundred  and  sixty 
horses,  besides  weapons,  clothing,  and  other  spoils. 

Here  I  succeeded  in  having  a  good  joke  at  the  he- 
roine's expense,  with  which  I  plagued  her  for  a  long 
time.  She  was  swifter  on  foot  than  any  warrior,  and 
we  were  on  foot  during  this  excursion.  On  seeing  us 
advance,  a  young  Indian,  about  sixteen,  took  to  his 
lieels,  running  like  a  deer.  The  heroine  made  after 
him  witli  her  antelope  speed,  certain  to  catch  him. 
The  Indian  did  his  best,  frequently  turning  his  head, 
Uke  a  negro  with  an  alligator  at  his  heels.    Seeing  that 


340 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OF 


his  pursuer  must  overtake  him,  and  not  relishing  thu 
idea  of  liaving  her  lance  transfix  his  body — for  she  was 
preparing  to  hurl  it — he  suddenly  stopped  and  faced 
about,  at  the  same  time  throwing  his  bow  down  and 
holding  up  both  hands  to  beg  for  his  life.  She  did 
what  no  other  warrior  in  our  party  would  have  done — 
her  woman's  heart  took  pity  on  the  poor  fellow's  piti- 
able condition — she  spared  his  life,  and  marched  him 
back  captive. 

He  being  her  prisoner,  no  one  had  authority  over  hi& 
life  but  herself.  He  was  a  fine-looking  young  man, 
but  when  he  was  brought  among  the  Crow  warriors 
he  trembled  in  every  joint,  expecting  nothing  less  than 
to  be  killed. 

I  thought  this  too  good  an  opportunity  for  a  joke 
not  to  make  use  of  it. 

"I  see,''  said  I,  addressing  myself  to  Pine  Leaf, 
"  you  liave  refused  all  our  braves  that  you  might  whi 
a  husband  from  the  enemy." 

All  the  warriors  shouted  at  the  sally ;  but  the  poor 
girl  was  sorely  perplexed,  and  knew  not  what  to  do  or 
say.  We  rallied  her  so  much  on  her  conque&t  that 
she  finally  became  quite  spunky,  and  I  did  not  know 
whether  she  would  run  her  prize  through  with  her 
lance  or  not.  One  day  I  told  her  I  had  talked  with 
her  prisoner  about  his  capture.  "  Well,"  said  she, 
"  and  what  has  he  to  say  about  it  ?" 

"  Why,"  I  answered,  *'  he  says  he  could  have  killed 
you  as  well  as  not,  but  that  you  promised  to  marry 
him  if  he  would  spare  your  life." 

She  was  fully  practiced  upon,  and  she  flushed  with 
anger.  "He  lies  !"  she  exclaimed.  "You  know  I  can 
not  speak  to  these  Black  Feet,  or  I  would  make  him 
tell  a  different  tale.     I  have  often  told  you,  as  well  a.< 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


341 


other  warriors,  that  I  do  not  wish  to  marry ;  my  tongue 
was  straight  when  I  said  so.  I  have  told  you  often, 
and  I  have  told  your  sisters  and  your  wives,  that,  if 
ever  I  did  marry,  I  would  have  you,  and  none  other. 
So  why  do  you  trifle  with  my  feelings  ?" 

What  she  said  was  a  genuine  ebullition  of  feeling; 
for,  although  an  Indian  girl,  her  heart  was  as  proud,  as 
sensitive,  and  as  delicate  as  ever  beat  in  the  breast  of 
civilized  woman.  To  soothe  her  ruffled  temper,  I  told 
her  I  would  intrust  a  secret  to  her.  I  had  undertaken 
my  prolonged  journeying,  when  all  supposed  me  dead, 
and  she  along  with  the  rest,  solely  to  search  through 
the  Eocky  Mountains  for  a  "  red-headed  Indian."  I 
had  been  unsuccessful  in  my  search,  and  had  returned 
with  spotted  horses. 

She  laughed  immoderately  at  my  invention. 

We  now  returned  to  the  fort  with  our  trophies, 
where  we  had  a  joyous  time.  My  warriors  gave  a  horse 
to  each  man  at  the  fort,  about  fifty  in  number,  and  ev- 
ery woman  staying  there  also  received  one.  I  select- 
ed the  best  one  I  had,  and  made  Little  Jim  present  it 
to  Mr.  Tulleck,  with  which  delicate  attention  he  was 
greatly  delighted.  My  boy  could  now  speak  quite 
plain.  The  men  at  the  fort  had  taught  him  to  swear 
quite  fluently  both  in  French  and  English,  much  more 
to  their  satisfaction  than  to  mine.  But  I  trusted  he 
would  soon  forget  his  schooling,  as  the  Crows  never 
drink  whisky,  nor  use  profane  language. 

We  left  the  fort,  and  reached  our  village  without  ac- 
cident. On  our  arrival  we  found  the  people  in  mourn- 
ing for  the  loss  of  two  warriors,  killed  in  the  village 
by  an  attack  of  the  Cheyennes ;  and,  notwithstanding 
my  recent  success,  we  had  to  take  part  in  the  crying, 
in  obedience  to  their  forms. 


342 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OP 


The  Cheyennes,  in  their  late  attack,  used  very  good 
generalship;  but  the  result  was  not  so  good  as  their 
design  would  seem  to  promise.  They  started  with  a 
force  of  three  thousand  warriors,  and,  dividing  their 
army,  live  hundred  marched  directly  over  the  Tongue 
River  INIountain,  where  they  were  safe  from  molesta- 
tion, while  their  main  hody  passed  round  in  another 
direction,  placing  themselves  in  ambush  in  a  placo 
agreed  upon,  so  as  to  fall  upon  the  Crows  should  they 
pursue  their  flying  division.  But  the  Crows  were  too 
wary  for  them,  and  their  bright  design  failed. 

The  division  of  five  hundred  made  a  descent  upon 
the  horses,  killing  the  two  Crows  that  were  among 
them,  and  unabk  to  escape  in  time.  It  was  in  open 
day,  and  our  stock  was  so  immense  that  they  actually 
did  succeed  in  driving  off  about  twelve  hundred,  of 
which  our  family  owned  about  eighty.  IMany  of  our 
choice  mares,  with  their  foals,  and  a  great  number  of 
our  war-horses,  seemed  to  have  intelligence  of  the  bus- 
iness in  hand,  and  ran  with  full  speed  to  the  village, 
where  the  enemy  did  not  care  to  follow  them.  Hund- 
reds of  our  warriors  were  ready  for  the  conflict,  and 
were  impatiently  awaiting  the  order  to  attack;  but 
their  chiefs  strictly  forbade  their  advance,  and  even 
charged  my  faithful  Dog  Soldiers  with  the  duty  of  en- 
forcing their  orders.  There  were  in  the  village  over 
four  thousand  warriors,  a  force  sufficient  to  repel  any 
attack;  but  the  old  heads  seemed  to  suspect  some- 
thing at  the  bottom  of  their  foes'  audacity,  and  thus 
escaped  the  trap  that  was  prepared  for  them.  The 
horses  we  cared  but  little  about,  as  it  was  easy  to  re- 
place them  at  any  time,  without  risking  the  lives  ot  so 
many  brave  warriors. 

On  my  return,  all  this  was  related  to  me  by  the 


JAMES   P.   BECKWOCRTII. 


343 


council.  They  inquired  my  opinion  of  the  policy  they 
had  acted  upon,  and  I  assented  to  the  wisdom  of  all 
they  had  done.  I  further  recommended  that  no  war- 
party  should  leave  the  village  for  at  least  two  weeks, 
but  that  all  should  devote  themselves  to  trapping  bea- 
ver, as  a  means  better  calculated  to  please  the  Great 
Spirit,  and  after  that  it  was  likely  he  would  reward 
our  excursions  with  more  constant  success. 

My  advice  was  approved  of,  a.^d  my  medicine  was 
pronounced  powerful.  Every  uap  in  the  village  was 
accordingly  brought  to  light,  and  a  general  preparation 
made  for  an  active  season  of  trapping :  peltry-parties 
scattered  for  every  stream  containing  beaver.  My  old 
friend  and  myself,  with  each  a  wife,  composed  one 
party ;  we  took  twelve  traps,  and  in  ten  days  collect- 
ed fifty-five  beaver-skins.  All  who  went  out  had  ex- 
cellent success,  as  the  streams  had  been  but  little  dis- 
turbed for  several  months.  Our  two  weeks'  combined 
industry  produced  quite  a  number  of  packs. 

It  was  now  about  the  1st  of  October.  I  had  prom- 
ised, after  our  two  weeks'  trapping,  to  lead  a  party  in 
a  foray  upon  the  Cheyennes.  1  selected  over  four 
hundred  warriors,  and  started  in  pursuit  of  something 
— whether  horses  or  scalps  was  a  matter  of  indiffer- 
ence. After  an  easy  travel  of  twenty  days,  our  spies 
keeping  a  vigilant  look-out  on  the  way,  a  large  village 
was  reported  some  few  miles  in  advance.  Knowing 
whom  we  had  to  deal  with,  I  used  my  utmost  caution, 
for  we  were  beyond  the  reach  of  re-enforcement  if  I 
should  fall  into  any  difficulties.  We  ascended  a  hill 
which  overlooked  their  village.  We  saw  their  cheerful- 
looking  fires,  and  would  have  liked  to  warm  ourselves 
by  similar  ones;  but,  although  firewood  was  abun- 
dant, it  seemed  barely  advisable  to  indulge  in  such  a 


344 


AUTOBIOORAPHV   OF 


luxury.  By  the  aize  of  the  village,  it  was  evident  we 
had  a  powerful  enemy  before  us,  and  that  he  was  bravo 
we  had  learned  by  previous  experience.  After  sur- 
veying it  as  well  as  we  could  by  the  gleam  of  the  stars, 
I  determined  to  go  down  into  their  village,  and  obtain 
a  closer  observation.  I  took  three  braves  with  me, 
and,  turning  our  robes  the  hair  side  out,  we  descended 
the  hill  and  entered  the  village. 

We  found  they  had  recently  built  a  new  medicine 
lodge,  and  the  national  council  was  in  session  that 
night.  We  walked  up  to  the  lodge,  where  there  were 
a  number  of  Cheyennes  smoking  and  conversing,  but 
we  could  not  understand  a  word  they  said.  I  passed 
my  hand  inside  to  reach  for  a  pipe.  One  was  handed 
to  me  ;  and  after  all  four  of  us  had  taken  a  few  whiffs, 
I  handed  it  back  to  my  accommodating  lender.  We 
then  strolled  leisurely  through  their  town,  and  return- 
ed to  our  own  camp  sc^mewhat  late  in  the  evening. 

About  midnight  we  visited  their  herd,  and  started 
out  quite  a  large  drove,  which  we  found  at  daylight 
consisted  of  eight  hundred  head ;  with  these  we  moved 
with  all  possible  speed  toward  home,  taking  the  di- 
rectest  route  possible.  We  drove  at  full  speed,  wher- 
ever practicable,  until  the  next  day  at  noon ;  we  then 
turned  short  round  the  point  of  a  mountain,  and  await- 
ed the  arrival  of  our  pursuers.  Our  animals  were  well 
rested  when  the  enemy  came  up,  and  we  had  just  trans- 
ferred ourselves  to  the  backs  of  some  that  we  had  bor- 
rowed from  them.  As  soon  as  they  had  roimded  the 
point — about  two  hundred  and  fifty  in  number — we 
issued  out  to  attack  them ;  and,  although  they  were 
somewhat  surprised  to  behold  so  large  a  force,  they 
quickly  formed  and  awaited  the  onset.  '  We  were  soon 
upon  them,  killing  several,  and  having  a  few  of  our 


JAMES    P.   BECKWOLRTII. 


345 


own  wonncled.  "VVe  witlitlrcw  to  form  anotlicr  cliargc  ; 
but,  before  we  were  rearly  to  fall  on  tbeiii  again,  tboy 
divided  their  line,  and  one  half  made  a  daring  attempt 
to  surround  our  horses,  but  we  defeated  their  aim. 
They  then  retreated  toward  their  village,  they  finding 
it  necessary  to  re-enforee  their  numbers  l)efore  they 
could  either  recover  their  animals  or  fight  our  party 
with  any  show  of  success. 

I  afterward  learned,  when  a  trader  in  the  Cheyenne 
nation  for  Sublet,  that  their  main  bodv,  consisting  of 
two  thousand  warriors,  had  started  with  them,  but  turn- 
ed back  when  within  four  miles  of  our  temporary  rest- 
ing-place. The  smaller  division  traveled  back  as  fast 
as  possible  in  the  endeavor  to  reach  them,  and  bring 
them  back  to  the  attack.  After  proceeding  two  or  three 
hours  in  their  trail,  they  suddenly  came  in  sight  of 
them  as  they  were  resting  to  dress  some  buffalo.  By 
means  of  couriers  and  signals,  they  soon  had  the  whole 
army  on  the  march  again ;  but  by  this  time  we  wer»i 
"over  the  hills  and  far  away,"  having  resumed  our  re- 
treat immediately  our  pursuers  left  us. 

Those  who  are  driving  horses  in  a  chase  such  as 
this  have  a  great  advantage  over  their  pursuers,  since 
the  pursuer  must  necessarily  ride  one  horse  all  the 
time,  but  those  that  are  driving  can  change  as  often  as 
they  please,  taking  a  fresh  horse  every  half  hour  even, 
if  occasion  requires.  In  case  there  is  great  urgency 
with  a  drove,  a  number  of  warriors  are  sent  in  advance 
to  lead  them,  while  others  are  whooping  and  yelling  be- 
hind. Under  this  pressure,  the  animals  generally  get 
over  the  ground  at  a  pretty  good  rate. 

On  our  arrival  at  home  with  thirteen  scalps,  over 
eight  hundred  horses,  and  none  of  our  party  killed,  it 
may  be  judged  that  we  made  much  noise  and  shouting. 

P2 


:{40 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


Tlio  trip  wn  luid  just  aocomplislicd  was  a  severe  one, 
especially  ibr  the  woumlcd,  and  none  but  Indians  could 
have  lived  through  such  torment ;  but  they  all  finallv 
rccovered.  They  begged  to  be  left  upon  the  road,  urg- 
ing that  they  must  inevitably  die,  and  it  was  a  folly 
to  impede  our  flight  and  jeopardize  our  lives ;  but  1 
was  determined,  if  possible,  to  get  them  in  alive ;  for, 
had  T  lost  but  one,  the  village  would  again  have  gouf 
into  mourning,  and  that  I  was  desirous  to  avoid. 


ciiaptp:r  XXV. 

Visit  of  the  whole  Crow  Nation  to  the  Fort. — Seven  Days'  Tradin^r 
and  Rejoicing. — Separation  of  the  Villages. — Exjiedition  to  the  Ca- 
manches.  —  Narrow  Escape  from  their  Village.  —  Battle  with  the 
Black  Feet. — The  Whites  assist  us  with  their  Cannon. — Captured 
by  the  Black  Feet.— Recaptured  by  the  Crows. — Final  Victory. 

Having  now  quite  a  respectable  amount  of  peltry  on 
hand,  both  of  our  villages  started  for  the  fort  to  pur- 
chase winter  supplies.  We  can'ied  upward  of  forty 
packs  of  beaver,  and  two  thousand  four  hundred  packs 
of  robes,  with  which  we  were  enabled  to  make  quite  an 
extensive  trading.  We  loitered  seven  days  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  the  fort ;  then  the  villages  separated,  for  the 
purpose  of  driving  the  buffalo  back  to  the  Yellow  Stone, 
where  they  would  keep  in  good  condition  all  winter. 
This  required  a  considerable  force  of  men,  as  those  an- 
imals abounded  by  the  thousand  at  that  time  where 
they  are  now  comparatively  scarce,  and  it  is  a  conclu- 
sion forced  upon  my  mind  that  within  half  a  century 
the  race  of  buffaloes  will  be  extinguished  on  this  con- 
tinent. Then  farewell  to  the  Red  Man  !  for  he  must 
also  become  extinct,  unless  he  applies  himself  to  the 


.IAMK8    l».  BECKWOIJRTII. 


:U7 


rc  one, 
\  could 
fiiiallv 
d,  iirg- 
a  folly 
but  1 
e;  for, 

d. 


i'  TradinfT 
to  the  Ca- 
with  the 
-Capturcii 
ictory. 

eltry  on 
to  pur- 
of  forty 
^d  packs 
quite  an 
1  the  vi- 
l,  for  the 
w  Stone, 
I  winter. 
;hose  an- 
16  where 
a  conclu- 
I,  century 
this  con- 
he  must 
3lf  to  the 


cultivation  of  the  soil,  which  is  beyond  the  bound  of 
probability.  The  incessant  demand  for  robes  has  slain 
thousands  of  those  noble  beasts  of  the  prairie,  until  the 
Indians  themselves  begin  to  grow  uneasy  at  the  man- 
ifest diminution,  and,  as  a  means  of  conservation,  each 
nation  has  adopted  the  policy  of  conlining  to  itself  the 
right  of  Imnting  on  its  own  ground.  They  consider 
that  the  buftalo  belongs  to  them  as  their  exclusive 
property;  that  he  was  sent  to  them  by  the  ( Jreat  Spirit 
for  their  subsistence ;  and  when  he  fails  them,  what 
shall  they  resort  to  ?  Doubtless,  when  that  time  ar- 
rives, much  of  the  land  which  they  now  roam  over  will 
he  under  the  white  man's  cultivation,  which  will  ex- 
tend inland  from  both  oceans.  Where  then  shall  the 
Indian  betake  himself?  There  are  no  more  Missis- 
sippis  to  drive  him  beyond.  Unquestionably  he  will 
be  taken  in  a  surround,  as  he  now  surrounds  llie  buf- 
falo ;  and  as  he  can  not  assimilate  with  civilization, 
the  Red  Man's  doom  is  apparent.  It  is  a  question  of 
time,  and  no  very  long  time  either ;  but  the  result,  as 
I  view  it,  is  a  matter  of  certainty. 

The  territory  claimed  by  the  Crows  would  make  a 
larger  state  than  Illinois.  Portions  of  it  form  the  choic- 
est land  in  the  world,  capable  of  producing  any  thing 
that  will  grow  in  the  Western  and  Middle  States.  In- 
numerable streams,  now  the  homes  of  the  skillful  bea- 
ver, and  clear  as  the  springs  of  the  Rocky  j\lountains, 
irrigate  the  plains,  and  would  afford  power  for  any 
amount  of  machinery.  Mineral  springs  of  every  de- 
gree of  temperature  abound  in  the  land.  The  coun- 
try also  produces  an  inconceivable  amount  of  wild 
fruit  of  every  variety,  namely,  currants,  of  every  kind  ; 
raspberries,  black  and  red  ;  strawberries,  blackberries, 
cherries ;  plums,  of  delicious  flavor  and  in  great  abun- 


:i4H 


AUTOBIOGRAFHV    UF 


dance ;  grapes,  and  numberless  otlier  varieties  proper 
to  the  latitude  and  fertile  nature  of  the  soil. 

1  am  tuUy  convinced  that  this  territory  contains 
vast  mineral  wealth  ;  but,  as  1  was  unactiuaintcd  with 
the  ]>roperties  of  minerals  during  my  residence  with  the; 
Crows,  i  did  not  pay  much  attention  to  the  investiga- 
tion of  the  subject.  One  thing,  however,  1  am  con- 
vinced of,  that  no  p.'U't  of  the  United  States  contains 
richer  deposits  of  anthracite  coal  than  the  territory  I 
am  speaking  of,  and  my  conviction  is  thus  founded. 
L  one  night  surrounded  a  small  mountain  with  a  large 
tbrcc  of  warriors,  thinking  I  had  observed  the  tires  of 
the  enemy,  and  that  T  should  catch  them  in  a  trap. 
But,  to  my  great  surprise,  it  proved  to  be  a  mountain 
of  coal  on  tire,  which  had,  I  suppose,  spontaneously  ig- 
nited. 1  immediately  drew  oif  my  forces,  as  I  was 
feadul  of  an  exjilosion.  1  could  readily  point  out  the 
})lace  again. 

It  would  be  extremely  hazardous  to  attempt  any 
scientific  exj)lorations  without  first  gaining  the  consent 
of  the  Crows.  They  have  been  ur.iformiy  friendly 
with  the  whites;  still,  they  would  be  jealous  of  any  en- 
gineering operations,  as  they  would  be  ignorant  of  their 
nature.  The  Crows  arc  a  very  reserved  people,  and 
it  would  be  difficult  to  negotiate  a  treaty  with  them 
for  the  cession  of  any  portion  of  their  land.  They  have 
always  refused  to  send  a  deputation  to  Washington,  al- 
though repeatedly  invited.  Indeed,  when  I  was  their 
chief,  I  always  opposed  the  proposition,  as  I  foresaw 
very  clearly  what  effect  such  a  visit  would  produce 
upon  their  minds.  The  Crows,  as  a  nation,  had  never 
rredited  any  of  the  repi-esentations  of  the  great  wealth, 
and  power,  and  numbers  of  their  white  brethren.  In 
the  event  of  a  deputation  being  sent  to  Wasliington, 


i  proper 

contains 
ted  witli 
with  the 
ivcstiga- 
am  con- 
contains 
riitory  1 
founded. 
li  a  large 
;  iires  ot' 
1  a  trap, 
nountain 
!Ously  ig- 
as  I  was 
it  out  the 

impt  any 
c  consent 
'■  friendly 
)f  any  en- 
nt  of  their 
joplc,  and 
v'liii  thcni 
riiey  have 
ington,  al- 
was  their 
I  foresaw 
d  produce 
had  never 
;at  wealth, 
;hren.     In 
ashington. 


J  AM  EH    p.   BECKWOL'RTH. 


;i4}» 


the  perceptions  of  tlic  savages  would  be  dazzled  with 
the  display  and  glitter  around  tjioni.  They  would  re- 
turn home  dejected  and  humiliated ;  they  would  con- 
foiind  the  ears  of  their  peo|)lc  with  the  rehearsal  of  th(« 
predominance  and  magnificence  of  the  whites  ;  feeling 
their  own  comparative  insignificance,  they  would  lose 
that  pride  in  themselves  that  now  sustains  them,  and, 
so  far  from  being  the  terror  of  their  enemies,  they 
would  grow  despondent  and  lethargic  ;  they  would  ad- 
dict themselves  to  the  vices  of  the  weaker  nations,  and 
in  a  short  time  their  land  would  be  ingulfed  in  the  in- 
satiable government  vortex,  and,  like  hundreds  of  oth- 
(!r  once  powerful  tribes,  they  would  be  quickly  exterm- 
inated by  the  bat^.le-axea  of  their  enemies.  These 
are  the  considerations  that  influenced  mc  while  J  ad- 
ministered their  affairs. 

From  the  fort  1  started  on  foot  with  two  hundred 
and  sixty  trusty  warriors  for  the  Camanchc  territory. 
We  had  reached  their  ground,  and  were  traveling  leis- 
urely along  upon  a  high,  open  prairie,  when  our  spies 
suddenly  telegraphed  to  us  to  lie  flat  down — an  order 
which  wc  promptly  obeyed.  We  soon  learned  that 
there  was  a  number  of  Indians,  some  distance  beyond, 
engaged  in  running  buffalo  and  antelope  as  far  as  we 
could  sec.  There  appeared  to  be  an  outlet  to  the  prai- 
rie, through  which  wc  could  see  them  emerging  and 
disappearing  like  bees  passing  in  and  r  ut  of  a  hive. 
Wc  found  at  night  that  it  was  a  wide  caho?i,  in  which 
their  village  was  encamped,  extending  over  three  miles, 
and  must  have  contained  several  thousand  warriors. 
They  had  just  driven  a  host  of  horses  into  it,  to  liave 
them  ready,  most  probably,  for  the  next  day's  chase. 
There  were  still  thousands  of  horses  scattered  in  every 
direction  over  the  prairie,  but  I  preferred  to  take  those 


im) 


ALTUBIOOUAPIIY    OF 


already  collected.  The  Camanclies,  being  seldom  troub- 
led by  tiic  incursions  of"  their  neighbors  (as  most  of  the 
tribes  hold  them  in  dread),  take  no  precaution  for  the 
safety  of  their  animals,  for  which  reason  they  fell  an 
easy  prey  to  us. 

At  the  usual  time  of  night  we  paid  a  visit  to  their 
immense  herd,  and  started  an  innumerable  drove ;  wo 
found  it  larger  than  we  could  successfully  drive,  and 
were  therefore  obliged  to  leave  several  hundreds  oi' 
them  on  the  prairie.  We  then  placed  a  sufficient  num- 
ber of  horse-guides  ahead,  and,  whipping  up  our  rear, 
we  soon  had  an  immense  drove  under  full  speed  for  our 
own  country,  making  the  very  earth  tremble  beneath 
their  hoofs.  We  continued  this  pace  for  three  days 
and  nights,  closely  followed  by  our  enemies,  who,  hav- 
ing discovered  their  loss  the  next  morning,  started 
after  us  in  pursuit.  They  kept  in  sight  of  us  each 
day,  but  we  had  the  advantage  of  them,  as  we  could 
change  horses  and  they  could  not,  unless  they  hap- 
pened to  pick  up  a  few  stragglers  on  the  road. 

On  the  third  day  I  happened  to  be  leading,  and  just 
as  I  rose  to  look  over  the  summit  of  a  hill  on  the  Ar- 
kansas, I  discovered  a  large  village  of  the  Cheyennes 
not  far  in  advance,  and  lying  directly  in  our  course. 
In  an  instant  we  turned  to  the  left,  and  continued  on 
through  a  hollow  with  all  our  drove,  the  Camanclies 
not  more  than  two  or  three  miles  in  our  rear. 

On  our  pursuers  arriving  at  the  spot  where  we  had 
diverged  to  the  left,  they  held  their  course  right  on, 
and,  pouncing  upon  the  astonished  Cheyennes,  con- 
ceived they  were  the  party  they  were  in  pursuit  of. 
We  could  distinctly  hear  the  report  of  the  guns  of  the 
contending  parties,  but  did  not  slacken  our  pace,  as 
cur  desire  to  get  home  in  safety  outweighed  all  curios- 


JAMES   P.  JJECKWOIIJITII. 


35  J 


troub- 


of  the 
or  the 
fell  an 

)  their 
e ;  wo 
^e,  and 
cds  of 
t  num- 
ir  rear, 
for  our 
)eneath 
le  days 
10,  hav- 
started 
IS  each 
e  could 
ey  hap- 

ind  just 
the  Ar- 
eyennes 
course, 
nued  on 
nianches 

5  we  had 
ight  on, 
les,  con- 
irsuit  of. 
ns  of  the 
pace,  as 
11  curios- 


ity to  sec  tlie  issue  of  the  conflict.  We  afterward 
learned  that  the  Chcyennes  inflicted  a  severe  hcatino; 
upon  their  deluded  assailants,  and  chased  them  back, 
Avitli  the  loss  of  many  of  their  wamors,  to  their  own 
country.  Tliis  was  tine  fun  for  us,  and  Fortune  aided 
us  more  than  our  own  skill,  for  we  were  saved  any 
farther  trouble  of  defending  our  conquest,  and  event- 
ually reached  home  without  the  loss  of  a  single  life. 

Our  pursuers  being  disposed  of,  we  allowed  our- 
selves a  little  more  ease.  On  the  flfth  day  of  our  re- 
treat we  crossed  the  Arkansas,  and,  arriving  on  the 
bank  of  the  Powder  River  (a  branch  of  the  south  fork 
of  the  Platte),  we  afforded  ourselves  a  rest.  We  drove 
all  our  horses  into  a  canon,  and  fortified  the  entrance, 
so  that,  in  case  of  molestation,  we  could  have  rei)ulsed 
five  times  our  number.  There  was  excellent  pasture, 
aftbrding  our  wearied  and  famishing  horses  the  means 
of  satisfying  their  hunger,  and  refreshing  themselves 
with  rest.  We  al«50  needed  repose,  for  we  had  eaten 
nothing  on  the  way  except  what  we  happened  to  have 
with  us,  in  the  same  manner  as  our  horses  would  crop 
an  occasional  mouthful  of  grass  while  pursuing  their 
flight. 

After  refreshing  ourselves  we  resumed  our  journey, 
and,  striking  the  Laramie  lliver,  we  passed  on  througli 
the  Park,  and  then  crossed  the  Sweet  W^ater  River  into 
our  own  territory,  where  we  were  safe.  We  fell  in 
with  Long  Hair's  village  before  we  entered  our  own, 
with  whom  we  had  a  good  time.  Before  parting  we 
trave  them  five  hundred  horses.  From  thence  we  went 
down  to  the  fort  in  quest  of  our  own  village,  but  learn- 
ed they  were  about  twenty  miles  out,  encamped  on  the 
Rose  Bud.  The  inmates  of  the  fort  thought  it  must 
have  rained  horses,  for  such  a  prodigious  drove  they 


■■0HI 


^62 


ALTUUIOGKAPHY    Ml' 


never  saw  driven  in  before.  We  made  them  a  pres- 
ent of  a  Canianclie  liorsc  all  round,  and,  liaving  staiil 
one  night  with  them,  the  next  morning  we  journeyed 
on  to  our  village. 

We  found  them  all  dancing  and  rejoicing  over  tin 
success  of  the  other  war-parties,  who  had  reached  homo 
before  us,  and  our  arrival  increased  their  joy  to  such 
an  extreme  that  there  was  no  limit  to  their  extrava- 
gant manifestations. 

We  had  not  parted  from  the  fort  more  than  two  or 
three  hours  when  Big  Bowl  called  there,  also  in  quest 
of  the  village,  bringing  two  thousand  seven  hundred 
horses,  whicii  he  had  taken  from  the  Coutnees. 

Tulleck  informed  him  that  his  son  had  but  just  left 
for  the  villac;e  with  a  larce  drove. 

"Yes,"  said  the  old  man,  "but  I  can  laugh  at  him 
this  time." 

"  No,  no,"  replied  Tulleck,  "  he  has  beat  you ;  he 
ha!?  twice  as  many  as  you." 

"  Ugh !"  exclaimed  the  old  brave ;  "his  medicine  is 
idways  powerful." 

We  must  have  started  with  five  thousand  horses,  for 
many  gave  out  on  the  way  and  were  left  behind,  be- 
sides a  number  that  must  have  straggled  off,  for  '\g 
Cheyennes  afterward  informed  me  that  they  picked  up 
a  considerable  number  which  had  undoubtedly  belong- 
ed to  our  drove. 

JNIy  father,  after  presenting  them  with  a  horse  all 
round  at  the  fort,  whipped  his  drove  up,  saying  that  he 
would  yet  overtake  the  ^Medicine  Calf  before  he  reach- 
ed the  village. 

He  arrived  just  before  sunset,  when  the  joy  was  at 
its  height. 

We  had  horses  enough  now  to  eat  us  out  of  house  and 


wh 
em 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


35;^ 


a  pres- 
g  staul 
irncvcd 

vcr  tin 
id  homo 
to  such 
sxtrava- 

.  two  ov 
in  quest 
bundred 

just  left 

1  at  him 

you ;  he 

idicine  is 

orses,  for 
liind,  be- 
f,  for  '\g 
(icked  up 
Y  belong- 

horse  all 
ig  that  he 
he  reach- 

)y  was  at 

liouse  and 


liome,  about  eight  thousand  head  having  been  brought 
in  during  tlie  last  ten  days. 

When  the  rejoicing  was  through,  I  divided  my  vil- 
lage, sending  two  hundred  lodges  round  to  start  the 
buffalo  toward  the  mountain,  while  I  took  one  hund- 
red and  seventy  lodges,  and  made  a  circuit  in  the  di- 
rection of  the  fort,  encamping  in  the  bottom  close  by.. 
[  had  with  me  eight  or  nine  hundred  warriors,  besides 
my  division  of  the  women  and  children. 

While  staying  in  the  vicinity  of  t\w.  fort  we  were 
usually  very  careless,  never  apprehending  any  attack ; 
l)ut  on  the  third  day  of  our  encampment  here  we  were 
suddenly  assailed  by  nearly  fifteen  hundred  Black  Foot 
warriors,  who  were  probably  aware  that  we  had  divided 
our  village,  and  had  followed  us  as  the  smallest  party. 
Myself  and  several  other  warriors  were  in  tlie  fort  when 
the  attack  was  made,  but  we  soon  hastened  to  join  our 
warriors.  The  contest  became  severe.  The  Black 
1' eet  fought  better  than  I  had  ever  seen  them  figlit  be- 
fore. The  Crows,  being  outnumbered  by  their  enemies, 
were  sorely  pressed,  aud  every  man  had  to  exert  him- 
self to  the  utmost  to  withstand  the  assault.  Tlic  men 
at  the  fort,  seeing  our  situation,  brouglit  out  to  our  aid 
a  small  cannon  on  a  cart.  The  enemy,  seeing  them 
bring  it  up,  charged  on  it  and  carried  it,  the  i^'rcncli- 
men  who  had  it  in  charge  running  back  to  the  fort  with 
all  possible  speed.  The  Crows,  seeing  what  had  hap- 
pened, made  a  furious  charge  on  the  cf.ptors  of  the 
cannon,  and  succeeded  in  retaking  it,  though  not  with- 
out the  loss  of  several  killed  and  woun  led  in  the  con- 
riict.  The  gun  was  loaded  witii  musKet-balls,  and, 
when  finally  discharged,  did  no  damage  to  the  en- 
emy. 

I  was  in  another  quarter,  encouraging  my  warriors 


IHI 


354 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OP 


to  protect  our  lodges,  and  we  at  length  succeeded  in 
beating  tliem  off,  altliough  they  drove  away  over  twelve 
Iiuntlred  head  of*  our  horses  with  them,  without  any  pos- 
sibility of  our  wrestnig  them  from  them,  at  least  at 
that  time.  We  lost  thirteen  warriors  killed,  twelve  of 
whom  were  scalped,  and  about  thirty  wounded.  It  is 
a  wonder  we  did  not  suffer  a  loss  tliree  times  more  se- 
vere. But  the  Black  Feet  are  not  steady  warriors; 
they  become  too  much  excited  in  action,  and  lose  many 
opportunities  of  inflicting  mischief.  If  bluster  would 
defeat  a  foe,  their  battles  would  be  a  succession  of  vic- 
tories. TIad  we  in  the  least  mistrusted  an  attack,  by 
being  in  readiness  we  could  have  repulsed  them  with- 
out the  least  effort.  But  they  cauglit  us  totally  un- 
l)rcpared ;  there  was  not  a  man  at  his  post  until  they 
were  about  to  fall  upon  us.  The  enemy  lost  forty- 
eight  scalps  in  the  encounter,  besides  a  number  of  dead 
and  wounded  they  carried  away  with  tliem  without  our 
being  able  to  lay  hands  upon  them.  They  had  also 
over  one  hundred  horses  shot  under  them. 

VVc  suffered  a  severe  loss  in  the  death  of  the  veteran 
brave  lied  Child,  the  hero  of  a  hundred  fights,  who 
was  killed  and  scalped  at  his  lodge  door.  His  wife, 
who  was  by,  struck  the  Indian  wJio  scalped  him  with 
a  club,  but  she  did  not  strike  him  hard  enough  to  dis- 
able him.  The  loss  of  the  old  brave  was  severely  felt 
by  the  whole  nation.  The  crying  and  mourning  which 
ensued  pained  me  more  than  the  loss  of  our  horses. 
After  spending  the  night  in  mourning,  we  moved  on  to 
the  other  division,  to  carry  the  woful  tidings  of  our  re- 
verse. When  we  rejoined  them  there  was  a  general 
time  of  crying.  I  took  a  great  share  of  the  blame  to 
myself,  as  it  was  upon  my  proposition  that  the  village 
had  been  divided  and  the  disaster  sustained.     I  sug- 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOUUTII. 


355 


eded  in 
:  twelve; 
my  pos- 
least  at 
^relvc  of 
I.     It  is 
more  sc- 
rarriors ; 
ise  many 
er  would 
»n  of  vic- 
ttack,  by 
eni  with- 
tally  un- 
intil  they 
Dst  forty- 
er  of  dead 
ithout  our 
had  also 

le  veteran 
gilts,  who 
His  wife, 
him  with 
igh  to  dis- 
verely  felt 
ling  which 
>ur  horses. 
lOved  on  to 
i  of  our  re- 
}  a  general 
le  blame  to 
the  village 
id.     I  sug- 


gested it  with  a  view  to  facilitate  business,  never 
dreaming  of  an  attack  by  such  an  overwhelming  force. 

When  the  excitement  had  subsided,  I  determined 
to  wash  their  faces  or  perish  in  the  attempt.  I  order- 
ed every  one  that  could  wor!i  to  engage  in  the  erection 
of  a  fort  in  the  timber,  sufficiently  large  to  hold  all  our 
lodges,  laying  out  the  work  myself,  and  seeing  it  well 
under  way.  I  directed  them,  when  they  had  fmished 
the  construction,  to  move  their  lodges  into  it,  and  re- 
main there  till  my  return,  for,  thus  protected,  they  could 
beat  off  ten  times  their  number. 

I  then  took  nearly  seven  hundred  of  our  best  war- 
riors, and  started  for  the  Black  Feet,  resolved  upon 
revenge,  and  careless  how  many  I  fell  in  with. 

A  small  party  had  recently  come  in  with  two  scalps, 
which  they  had  obtained  near  the  head  of  Lewis's 
Fork,  Columbia  River.  They  reported  a  large  village 
of  eight  hundred  lodges,  from  which  numcrousi  war- 
parties  had  departed,  as  they  had  crossed  their  trails 
in  coming  home.  They  knew  the  direct  road  to  the 
village,  how  it  was  situated,  and  all  about  it,  which 
Avas  of  great  service  to  me.  I  therefore  took  them  with 
me,  and  employed  them  as  scouts.  Every  warrior 
was  well  provided  for  hard  service ;  each  man  had  a 
riding-horse,  and  led  his  war-horse  by  his  side. 

On  the  seventh  day  we  came  in  view  of  their  village, 
but  we  deferred  our  attack  till  the  next  day.  The  en- 
emy had  chosen  a  very  good  position ;  they  were  en- 
camped on  a  large  bend  of  the  river,  at  that  time  shal- 
low and  fordable  every  where.  I  detached  fifty  of  my 
warriors  for  a  feint,  while  I  stole  round  with  the  main 
body  to  the  high  ground,  taking  care  to  keep  our  of 
sight  of  the  enemy.  Having  gained  my  position,  1 
signaled  to  the  light  division  to  feign  an  attack,  while 


356 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OF 


ray  men  were  so  excited  I  could  hardly  restrain  them 
from  rushing  out  and  defeating  my  purpose.  My  plan 
succeeded  admirably.  The  Black  Feet,  having  suf- 
fered themselves  to  be  decoyed  from  their  position  by 
the  flight  of  the  flfty  warriors,  I  sounded  a  charge,  and 
ray  raen  rushed  upon  the  unprotected  village  like  a 
thunderbolt.  We  swept  every  thing  before  us;  the, 
women  took  to  the  bush  like  partridges ;  the  warriors 
il«;d  in  every  direction.  They  were  so  paralyzed  at 
our  unexpected  descent  that  no  defense  was  attempt- 
ed. I  threw  myself  among  the  thickest  group  I  could 
see,  and  positively  hacked  down  seventeen  who  pretend- 
ed to  be  warriors  without  receiving  a  scratch,  although 
my  shield  was  pretty  well  cut  with  arrows.  If  my 
warriors  had  all  come  to  their  work  according  to  the 
example  that  even  the  heroine  set  them,  not  one  of  the 
Black  Feet  who  ventured  to  show  fight  would  have 
escaped.  The  heroine  killed  three  warriors  with  her 
lance,  and  took  two  line  little  boys  prisoners.  Wc 
found  but  about  a  thousand  warriors  to  oj)pose  us, 
while  there  were  lodges  enough  to  contain  three  times 
the  number.  We  only  took  sixty-eight  scalps  after 
all  our  trouble — a  thing  I  could  not  account  for.  We 
took  thirty  women  and  children  prisoners,  and  drove 
home  near  two  thousand  head  of  horses,  among  which 
were  many  of  our  own. 

As  I  had  never  seen  the  Black  Feet  fight  so  well 
as  at  the  fort,  I  expected  an  equal  display  of  valor  on 
this  occasion,  but  they  offered  nothing  worthy  the  name 
of  defense.  I  learned  from  my  prisoners  that  my  old 
father-in-law  was  in  that  village,  whose  daughter  i  had 
nearly  killed  for  dancing  over  the  scalps  of  the  white 
raen.  We  had  only  one  warrior  wounded,  who  was 
shot  through  the  thigh;  but  it  was  not  broken,  and, 


JAMKS   P.   BECKWOUHTH. 


357 


n  them 
ly  plan 
ng  sut- 
tion  l)v 
rge,  and 
i  like  a 
us;  the, 
warriors 
lyzed  at 
attempt- 
p  I  could 
prctcnd- 
althougli 
If  my 
icr  to  the 
)uc  of  the 
)uld  have 
with  her 
jrs.  We 
ppose  us, 
iree  times 
alps  after 
for.  We 
and  drove 
ong  which 

ht  so  well 
)f  valor  on 
y  the  name 
lat  my  old 
yhter  I  had 
f  the  white 
,  who  was 
roken,  and, 


like  all  Indian  wounds,  it  soon  got  well.  We  reached 
home  in  less  than  four  days ;  and,  after  our  arrival, 
singing  and  dancing  were  kept  up  for  a  week. 

In  taking  prisoners  from  an  enemy  we  gain  much 
useful  information,  as  there  are  always  more  or  less 
of  their  tribe  domiciliated  with  us,  to  whom  the  cap- 
lives  impart  confidence ;  these  relate  all  that  they  hear 
to  the  chiefs,  thus  affording  much  serviceable  informa- 
tion that  could  not  otherwise  be  obtained.  The  wom- 
en seem  to  care  but  little  for  their  captivity,  more  par- 
ticularly the  young  women,  who  have  neither  husbands 
nor  childrcr  to  attach  them  to  their  own  tribe.  They 
like  Crow  husbands,  because  they  keep  them  painted 
most  of  the  time  with  the  emblems  of  triumph,  and 
do  not  whip  them  like  their  Black  Foot  husbands. 
Certain  it  is  that,  when  once  captured  by  us,  none  of 
them  ever  wished  to  return  to  their  own  nation.  In 
our  numerous  campaigns  that  winter  we  also  took  an 
unusual  number  of  boys,  all  of  whom  make  excellent 
Crow  warriors,  so  that  our  numbers  considerably  in- 
creased from  our  prisoners  alone.  Some  of  the  best 
wan'iors  in  the  Crow  nation  had  been  boys  taken  from 
the  surrounding  tribes.  They  had  been  brought  up 
vith  us,  had  played  with  our  children,  and  fought  their 
mmiature  sham-battles  together,  had  grown  into  men, 
become  warriors,  braves,  and  so  on  to  the  council,  un- 
til they  were  far  enough  advanced  to  become  expert 
horse-thieves. 

That  winter  was  an  exceedingly  fortunate  one  for 
the  Crow  nation ;  success  crowned  almost  every  ex- 
pedition. Long  Hair's  warriors  achieved  some  great 
triumphs  over  the  Black  Feet,  and  in  one  battle  took 
nearly  a  hundred  scalps. 

Wlien  Lcng  Hair  heard  of  our  misfortune  at  the 


358 


AirrODIOORAl'HY   OP 


fort,  he  sent  a  messenger  to  our  village  to  offer  some 
of  his  warriors  to  assist  us  in  retrieving  our  reverse. 
iJut  before  the  arrival  of  the  messenger  we  had  been 
and  returned,  and  were  all  in  the  height  of  rejoicing. 
He  Jiastened  back  to  his  village  to  impart  the  glad 
tidings,  in  order  that  they  might  rejoice  with  us. 

We  then  engaged  in  trapping  beaver  and  hunting 
buffalo  for  the  next  three  weeks,  during  which  time  wo 
suffered  no  molestation  from  any  of  our  enemies. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

DcputatN^n  from  the  As-nc-boincs. — Characteristic  Speech  of  Yellow 
Bciiy. — Visit  to  the  Fort, — Visit  to  Fort  Union. — iiescue  of  Five 
White  Men  from  Starvation. — Arrival  at  Fort  Cass. — Departure  for 
the  Village. — Visit  of  the  Snakes  to  the  Crows. 

Wk  received  another  deputation  from  the  As-ne- 
boines  to  sue  for  a  renev/al  of  peace.  We  had  lost  a 
warrior  and  two  women,  who  had  been  massacred  when 
away  from  the  village,  and  on  discovery  of  the  bodies 
we  followed  the  trail  of  the  perpetrators  in  the  direc 
tion  of  the  Jilack  Foot  country.  We  eventually  dis- 
covered that  many  petty  outrages,  which  we  had 
charged  upon  the  Black  Feet,  were  in  reality  commit- 
ted by  the  treacherous  As-ne-boines.  On  their  return 
from  their  thievish  inroads  they  were  in  the  habit  of 
proceeding  very  near  to  a  Black  Foot  village,  with 
which  they  were  at  peace,  and  then,  turning  obliquely, 
would  cross  the  Missouri  into  their  own  country.  Be- 
coming acquainted  with  this  oft-repeated  nise^  we  de- 
termined to  chastise  them.  I  accordingly  crossed  the 
Missouri  with  a  force  of  eight  hundred  and  fifty  men, 
and  invaded  their  territory  with  the  determination  to 
inflict  upon  them  such  a  chastisement  as  should  recall 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOUKTH. 


a^y 


some 
verse. 
i  been 
)icing. 
B  glad 

3. 

unting 
ime  we 
s. 


of  Yellow 
e  of  Fivf 
larture  for 

1  As-ne- 
id  lost  a 
cd  when 
c  bodies 
le  direc 
ally  dis- 
we   had 
commit- 
iir  return 
habit  of 
igc,  with 
.bliquely, 
try.    Be- 
36,  we  de- 
ossed  the 
fifty  men, 
ination  to 
)uld  recall 


them  to  a  sense  of  decency.  We  encountered  a  small 
village,  only  numbering  forty  lodges,  on  tiieir  way  to 
I'ort  Union,  and  within  a  few  hundred  yards  of  the 
tort.  Seeing  our  ui)proaeh,  they  intrenelied  them- 
selves in  a  hollow,  rendering  our  assault  a  work  of 
danger.  15ut  we  stormed  their  position,  and  killed 
twenty-six  warriors  (all  of  whom  we  sealped) ;  the  re- 
mainder we  could  not  get  at,  as  we  found  their  posi- 
tion impregnable. 

Admonished  by  this  chastisement,  they  sent  another 
deputation  to  us  to  treat  for  the  re-establishment  of 
peace,  liut  their  propositions  were  unfavorably  re- 
ceived, and  Y'ellow  Belly  favored  them  with  his  senti- 
ments in  the  following  rather  unpalatable  and  charac- 
teristic strain : 

"No,"  said  he,  in  answer  to  their  representations, 
"we  make  peace  with  you  no  more.  You  arc  dogs — 
you  are  women-slayers — you  are  unworthy  of  the  con- 
iidenee  or  notice  of  our  people.  You  lie  when  you 
come  and  say  that  you  want  peace.  You  have  crook- 
ed and  forked  tongues:  they  are  subtle  like  the  tongue 
of  the  serpent.  Your  hearts  are  corrupt :  they  are  of- 
fensive in  our  nostrils.  We  made  peace  with  you  be- 
fore because  we  pitied  you ;  we  looked  upon  you  with 
contempt,  as  not  even  worthy  to  be  killed  by  the  Spar- 
rowhawks.  We  did  not  wish  for  your  scalps :  they 
disgrace  our  others ;  we  never  mix  them  even  with 
those  of  the  Black  Feet.  When  we  are  compelled  to 
take  them  from  you  on  account  of  your  treachery,  we 
give  them  to  our  pack-dogs,  and  even  they  howl  at 
tliem.  Before,  we  gave  you  horses  to  carry  you  home, 
and  guns  to  kill  your  buffalo ;  we  gave  you  meat  and 
drink ;  you  ate,  and  drank,  and  smoked  with  us.  After 
all  this,  you  considered  yourselves  great  braves  in 


360 


AUTOBIOGHAl'IIY   OK 


scalping  two  of  our  women.  Our  women  would  rul) 
out  your  nation  and  put  out  all  your  Hrcs  if  we  bIiouM 
let  tlicin  loose  at  you.  Conic  and  steal  our  hor.sns 
when  you  think  best,  and  get  caught  at  it  if  you  want 
to  feel  the  weight  of  our  tomahawks.  Go!  we  will  not 
make  peace  with  you;  go'." 

After  this  very  cordial  reception,  we  liad  no  more 
intercourse  with  tiie  As-ne-boines  for  some  time. 

Shortly  after  the  departure  of  this  delegation,  we  set 
out  for  the  fort  to  trade  away  our  peltry,  which  amount- 
ed to  a  considerable  nvinbcr  of  packs.  On  arriving 
there,  I  found  a  letter  from  a  Mr.  llalsey,  who  then  had 
charge  of  Fort  Union,  the  head-quarters  of  the  Amer- 
ican Fur  Company.  The  letter  was  couched  in  rather 
.strong  terms,  and  was  evidently  written  when  he  was 
under  the  influence  of  temper.  The  company  had  their 
trading-posts  among  every  tribe  with  which  the  Crows 
were  at  war,  and  for  many  months  past  there  had  been 
a  great  falling  off  in  trade.  The  Indians  had  brought 
in  but  little  peltry,  and  the  universal  complaint  among 
all  was  that  it  took  all  their  time  to  defend  themselves 
against  the  Crows.  The  Crows  had  killed  scores  of 
their  warriors ;  the  Crows  had  stolen  all  their  horses ; 
the  Crows  had  captured  their  women  and  children; 
the  Crows  had  kept  them  mourning  and  crying;  their 
trappers  dare  not  go  out  to  trap  for  fear  of  the  Crows ; 
their  hunters  dare  not,  and  could  not,  kill  buffalo  for 
fear  of  the  Crows ;  in  short,  by  this  letter  it  appeared 
that  the  poor  Crows  were  the  constant  terror  of  all  the 
surrounding  tribes. 

He  concluded  his  epistle,  "For 's  sake,  do  keep 

your  d — d  Indians  at  home,  so  that  the  other  tribes 
may  have  a  chance  to  work  a  little,  and  the  company 
may  drive  a  more  profitable  business." 


.lAMKS    V.    IJKCKWOrUTIt. 


:iOi 


lid  nil) 
hIiouM 
'  horses 
ou  want 
will  not 

no  more 
Tie. 

n,  we  set 
amount- 
arriving 
then  had 
he  Amer- 
in  rather 
3n  he  was 
had  their 
the  Crows 
;  had  been 
,d  brought 
lint  among 
hemselves 
,  scores  of 
eir  horses; 
I  children; 
ying;  their 
he  Crows; 
buffalo  for 
it  appeared 
or  of  all  the 

ike,  do  keep 
other  tribes 
le  company 


I  know  perfectly  well  that  these  incessant  wars  were 
very  prejudicial  to  the  company's  interest,  but  it  was 
impossible  tor  me  to  remedy  the  evil.  Other  tribos 
were  continually  attacking  the  Crows,  killing  their 
braves,  and  stealing  their  horses,  and,  of  course,  th<  y 
were  bound  to  make  reprisals.  Injustice  to  the  Crows 
I  must  say,  that  other  tribes  were  generally  the  n;;- 
gressors,  until  the  policy  was  forced  upon  me  of  en- 
deavoring to  "concjuer  a  peace."  I  thought,  if  I  coul«l 
make  the  Crow  nation  a  tciTor  to  all  their  neighbors, 
that  their  antagonists  would  be  reduced  to  petition  for 
peace,  and  then  turn  their  battle-axes  into  beaver-traps, 
and  their  lances  into  hunting-knives. 

Our  villages,  having  made  their  purchases,  loft  the 
foit,  but  staid  in  the  vicinity,  engaged  in  trapping  and 
making  robes.  The  letter  I  had  just  received  Ironi 
llalsey  requested  my  attendance  on  him  that  spring. 
I  left  my  people,  and  went  down  the  river  to  Fort 
Union.  On  arriving,  I  found  a  large  body  of  the  As- 
nc-boincs  encamped  near  the  fort.  Their  chiefs  imme- 
diately came  to  rac,  wishing  me  to  conclude  peace  with 
tliem  as  representative  of  the  Crow  nation.  TJiey  at- 
tempted to  palliate  their  late  misdeeds  by  throwing 
the  blame  on  a  few  As-ne-boine  desperadoes,  who  had 
acted  without  the  authority  or  the  cognizance  of  the 
national  council,  and  that  they  had  been  severely  pun- 
ished by  the  tribe  for  their  excesses. 

In  answer,  I  told  them  that  I  had  no  authority  to 
conclude  peace ;  that,  even  if  I  had,  they  would  not  ob- 
serve a  peace  longer  than  one  moon ;  that  I  tliought 
the  Crows  would  throw  difficulties  in  the  wciy  of  enter- 
taining their  propositions,  but  that  they  could  apply* 
to  the  council  again,  and  learn  how  they  were  inclined. 

Mr.  Ilalsoy  and  all  the  sub-traders  jn'cscnt  inter- 

Q 


362 


AlJTOHIO(}RAl'HY   OP 


ceded  with  me  to  exert  myself  in  establishing  a  peaco 
between  the  two  nations,  which  rcfjuest  1  promised  to 
coni])ly  with.  The  chiefs  inquired  whether  wc  would 
take  their  lives  in  the  event  of  their  visiting  us  on  sucli 
a  mission.  I  assured  them  that  the  Crows  would  hold 
their  lives  sacred ;  that  they  were  not  dogs,  as  many 
nations  were,  but  that  they  were  a  great  and  magnan- 
imous nation,  whose  power  was  predominant,  and  who 
killed  no  enemies  but  in  battle. 

I  remained  at  the  fort  about  three  weeks,  and,  as 
most  of  the  Hub-tradcrs,  clerks,  and  interpreters  were 
in,  we  had  a  glorious  time.  It  was  at  least  three  or 
lour  years  since  I  had  last  visited  there ;  for,  though  1 
fought  a  battle  outside  its  walls  lately,  I  did  not  see  tit 
at  that  lime  to  make  them  a  call. 

The  boats  being  ready  to  return,  I  started  with  them, 
l)ut  their  progress  was  so  slow  and  wearisome  on  their 
way  up  to  the  Yellow  Stone  that  I  leaped  ashore,  in- 
tending to  make  my  way  over  dry  land.  I  have  al- 
ways rejoiced  that  1  was  prompted  to  take  that  stej), 
for  I  became  instrumental  thereby  in  performing  a  mer- 
ciful deed  among  so  many  that  might  be  termed  un- 
merciful. 

I  had  not  traveled  more  than  three  miles  when  I 
came  across  a  white  man,  named  Fuller,  in  a  famisli- 
ing  condition.  1  had  a  companion  with  me,  whom  I 
started  off  to  the  boats  to  bid  them  prepare  something 
suitable  to  recover  the  poor  fellow,  and  to  order  them 
to  touch  on  shore  when  they  came  to  where  he  lay. 
Fuller  was  quite  delirious.  [  had  discovered  him  just 
in  the  nick  of  time,  as  he  could  not  have  survived  many 
"liours  longer.  ]\ly  companion  was  not  long  in  pcr- 
tbrming  his  errand,  and,  when  the  boat  touched  for 
him,  wc  carried  him  on  board,  and  gave  him  tea  and 


JAMKS    P.  HECKWOIKTII. 


a()3 


k  peaco 
iscd  to 
would 
m  sucli 
lid  hold 
4  many 
lagnau- 
Liid  who 

and,  as 
»rs  were 
three  ov 
though  1 
ot  sec  tit 

ith  them, 
on  their 
shore,  iu- 
liave  al- 
hat  stc}), 
ng  a  mcr- 
rmed  un- 

s  when  I 
a  lamish- 
•,  whom  I 
something 
rder  thcni 
jre  lie  lay. 
d  him  just 
ved  many 
ng  in  pcr- 
ouched  tor 
im  tea  and 


warm  restoratives.  He  shortly  revived,  and  tlicn  gave 
nie  to  understand,  in  a  very  incoliercnt  manner,  that 
he  had  four  companions  in  a  similar  condition  near  to 
where  I  had  found  him. 

At  this  intelligence  we  went  on  shore  again  to  suc- 
cor them  also.  We  had  a  long  hunt  before  we  suc- 
ceeded in  finding  them,  and  when  we  at  last  discover- 
ed them,  we  found  them  picking  and  eating  rosebuds, 
or,  rather,  the  pods  containing  seed  of  last  year's 
growth.  When  they  saw  us  approaching  they  at- 
tempted to  run,  supposing  us  to  be  Indians  ;  but,  their 
strength  failir;<ij  them,  they  souglit  to  conceal  them- 
selves in  the  bushes.  We  made  known  our  errand  to 
them,  and  invited  them  on  board  the  boat.  Our  oj)- 
portunc  offer  of  service  seemed  so  ])rovidcntial,  that  the 
fortitude  of  the  poor  famishing  fellows  could  not  sus- 
tain them,  and  they  all  gave  way  to  a  plentiful  Hood 
of  tears.  We  conveyed  them  on  board  tlie  boat,  and 
furnished  them  with  food  adapted  to  tlieir  emaciated 
condition. 

When  in  some  measure  restored,  they  informed  us 
that  they  had  been  trapping  in  the  mountains,  their 
party  originally  consisting  of  eleven  men ;  that  they 
were  on  their  road  to  Fort  Cass,  with  their  pack-horses 
and  four  packs  of  beaver,  when  they  were  set  upon  by 
tlie  Black  Feet,  who  killed  six  of  tlieir  party,  and  de- 
spoiled them  of  every  article  they  had,  and  it  was  by 
a  miracle  that  they  escaped  from  their  hands.  When 
they  had  supposed  themselves  near  the  fort,  they  saw 
a  great  number  of  Indians,  whom  they  took  for  Hlack 
Feet ;  to  avoid  them,  they  took  a  wide  circuit  througli 
the  prairie.  The  Indians  wliom  they  mistook  for 
Black  Feet  were  a  party  of  Crows,  and  if  they  had 
ffone  up  to  them  and  made  their  case  known,  the  Crow» 


:i64 


AUTOBlOGKArilY   OF 


would  have  escorted  tlicm  to  the  fort,  and  probably 
have  pursued  the  Black  Feet,  and  have  retaken  their 
property.  On  returning  froni  their  circuit,  they  struck 
the  river  a  great  distance  below  the  fort,  and  were  still 
traveling  down  the  river  in  search  of  it.  They  had 
nothing  to  eat,  and  nothing  to  kill  game  with  to  re- 
lieve their  wants.  They  went  on  with  the  boats,  while 
1  and  my  companion  resumed  our  "  over-land  route." 

We  reached  the  fort  several  days  in  advance  of  tlie 
boats.  I  only  rested  one  night  there,  and  then  pro- 
ceeded directly  on  to  my  Indian  home.  Shortly  after 
my  arrival  there,  the  villages  moved  on  up  the  ri\w, 
proceeding  leisurely,  and  killing  butfalo  and  dressing 
robes  on  the  way.  We  iinally  reached  the  mountain 
streams,  and,  as  it  was  now  near  Tieptember,  the  bea- 
ver were  getting  to  be  in  line  condition  for  trapping. 

We  had  at  this  time  a  visit  from  eight  hundred  lodg- 
es of  the  Snakes,  who  came  for  the  pui-pose  of  trading, 
as  they  had  no  trading-post  of  their  own.  They  re- 
mained with  us  several  weeks,  and  we  had  a  very 
agreeable  time  together.  This  furnished  me  with  an 
opportunity  of  enlarging  to  the  Crows  upon  the  supe- 
rior delights  of  peace.  We  could  visit  the  lodges  of 
our  Snake  friends,  und  they  could  visit  ours  without 
cutting  each  other's  throats.  Our  women  could  chat- 
ter together,  our  children  gambol  and  have  their  sham- 
battles  together,  while  the  old  veterans  could  talk  over 
their  achievements,  and  smile  at  the  mimic  war-hoops 
of  their  children.  They  could  also  trade  together,  and 
derive  mutual  benefit  from  the  fair  exchange  of  com- 
modities. I  contrasted  this  with  the  incessant  butch- 
eries that  distinguished  their  intercourse  with  some 
tribes,  and  asked  them  which  relation  was  the  more  de- 
sirable. 


JAMES   P.    BECKWOrRTrr. 


365 


jably 
their 
itriick 
e  still 
y  had 
to  re- 
,  while 

L'OUtC." 

!  of  the 
Dii  pi'O- 
ly  alVr 

c  m^^^i 
Ircssing 
lountain 

the  bca- 
ipping. 
:cd  lodg- 
'tradius, 
Ihey  rc- 
1  a  very 
with  an 
the  supc- 
lodgcs  of 
s  without 
Qulu  chat- 
icir  shaiu- 
1  talk  over 
war-hoops 
rcther,  and 
gc  of  eom- 
sant  hutch- 
with  sonic 
[ic  more  dc- 


The  Crows  had  many  things  to  trade  away  whicli 
they  had  no  need  tor,  or,  if  they  liad  needed  tliem,  they 
could  replace  them  with  a  fresh  supply  from  the  fort. 
The  nation  was  desirous  that  their  guests  should  see 
the  trading-post,  where  all  their  goods  were  stored  be- 
yond the  reach  of  their  enemies,  and  whence  they  drew 
their  supplies  as  often  as  they  had  need  of  tiicm ;  for 
the  simple  Crows  supposed  that  the  posts,  witli  their 
contents,  were  the  property  of  the  nation,  and  that 
the  whites  who  were  in  charge  there  were  their  own 
agents.  To  gratify  their  natural  pride,  1  led  a  party 
to  the  fort,  among  whom  were  two  hundred  of  our  Snake 
visitors.  On  entering  the  fort,  and  looking  over  the 
store-house,  they  were  struck  dumb  with  astonishment; 
they  could  not  comprehend  the  vastness  of  the  wealth 
that  was  displayed  before  them.  They  had  never  be- 
fore seen  a  depot  of  goods,  and  this  exceeded  all  they 
had  any  previous  experience  of.  The  rows  of  guns 
highly  polisiicd,  the  battle-axes,  lance-blades,  scarlet 
cloth,  beads,  and  many  curiosities  they  had  never  seen 
before,  filled  them  with  admiration ;  they  could  not 
gaze  sufficiently  at  these  indications  of  our  wealth. 

They  inrpiired  of  the  Crows  whether  our  nation  made 
all  those  articles  there.  They  told  them  that  they  did 
not ;  that  they  were  made  at  our  great  fort  below,  in 
comparison  with  which  this  was  but  a  small  lodge  ; 
that  all  our  supplies  were  manufactured  there,  and 
brought  up  the  river  in  great  boats  by  our  white  friends. 

They  then  inquired  by  what  means  they  had  gained 
the  alliance  of  the  whites;  that,  instead  of  killing  them 
and  banishing  them  from  their  hunting-ground,  as  they 
did  to  many  nations,  they  should  give  tlicmselves  tiic 
great  trouble  to  serve  them  with  their  boats,  and  bring 
them  such  immense  supplies. 


a6(j 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OK 


The  Crows  informed  tlieni  that  tlicir  great  chief,  th) 
Medicine  Calf,  had  been  instrumental  in  accomplishing 
all  this,  liy  his  long  residence  with  the  whites,  after 
liis  sale  to  them  by  the  Ciieyennes  when  he  had  be- 
come a  great  brave,  he  had  gained  surprising  influence 
with  the  great  white  chief,  who  loved  the  Medicine 
Calf,  and  Jifid  taught  him  to  make  forts,  and  had  suf- 
fered him  to  come  back  to  his  people  in  order  to  teach 
them  to  become  great,  and  overcome  all  their  enemies. 

The  Snakes  were  wonder-stricken  at  such  marvels. 
The  unassailable  fort  (which  a  single  bomb-shell  would 
have  blown  to  atoms),  filled  with  an  inexiiaustible  store 
of  rich  goods ;  our  great  fort  down  the  river,  in  com- 
parison with  which  this  was  but  a  small  lodge,  and 
where  all  these  marvelous  products  of  our  ingenuity 
were  manufactured  ;  our  mysterious  connection  with 
the  whites,  which  procured  us  the  advantage  of  their 
unremunerated  services,  and  sliielded  us  with  the  irre- 
sistible succor  of  the  great  white  chief — all  this  over- 
powered tlicir  imagination.  The  wealth  and  power  of 
the  Crow  nation  exceeded  all  conception,  and  to  oj)- 
posc  them  in  war  was  to  incur  unavoidable  destruc- 
tion. 

After  the  Snakes  liad  traded  off  their  stock  of  ])el- 
try,  obtaining  large  supplies  in  exchange,  we  returned 
to  the  village.  They  iiad  wonderful  narratives  of  the 
big  fort  and  wealth  of  tlie  Crow  nation  to  spin  to  their 
fellow-villagers.  In  fact,  they  were  so  impressed  with 
the  idea  of  our  superiority  that  two  hundred  lodges  of 
the  Snakes  joined  our  nation,  and  never  separated  from 
them.  They  had  a  chief  of  their  own,  but  conformed 
to  our  laws  and  regulations,  proving  themselves  faith- 
ful ^/l'//o?^'-e/?'/^tVi  a',  and  emulating  our  best  warriors  in 
battle.     This  coalition  increased  our  force  to  the  num- 


.lAMKS    I'.   HECKWOrUTH. 


;5i)7 


:f,  tlie 

shing 
,  after 
id  be- 
lucncc! 
dicim' 
,d  sul- 
I  teacli 
emicR. 
arvels. 
would 
[c  store 
n  coni- 
gc,  and 
TOiiuity 
in  with 
of  their 
he  irre- 
is  over- 
ower  of 
I  to   0])- 
dcstruc- 

c  of  i)el- 
returncd 
es  of  the 
to  their 
!sed  with 
odges  of 
itcd  from 
onformed 
vcs  faith- 
arriors  in 
the  mim- 


ber  of  five  liundred  warriors — more  than  we  had  lost 
in  battle  for  four  years  preceding.  They  intermarried 
V  ith  our  women,  and  in  a  few  years  were  so  complete- 
ly transformed  that  they  had  (juite  forgotten  their  Snake 
origin.     On  our  return,  the  remainder  of  our  friends 

l(!ft  us. 

During  our  absence  the  Black  Feet  had  invaded  our 
dominion,  and  made  off  with  upwar<l  of  tlu'ce  thousand 
of  our  horses,  very  greatly  to  our  detriment.  T\\v 
Snakes  were  anxious  to  pursue  them,  or,  at  least,  to  as- 
sist their  hosts  in  recapturing  their  stolen  ))roperty,  but 
Long  ][air  declined  their  proffered  service.  Jle  said, 
"•  No,  L  am  too  old  to  run  after  them,  and  the  warriors 
nmst  have  some  one  to  direct  them.  Should  any  ac- 
cident befall  my  people,  the  medicine  chief  would  be 
ixrievcd.  We  must  wait  his  return  from  the  fort ;  if 
lie  then  deems  it  proper  to  punisli  them,  he  will  not  be 
long  without  the  means." 

Our  villages  still  remained  together,  and  we  moved 
on  to  the  head-waters  of  the  Yellow  Stone.  We  had 
several  war-parties  out,  and  some  endeavoring  to  re- 
trieve our  equine  losses,  while  those  who  remained  in 
the  villuge  applied  themselves  to  tra])ping  and  hunting. 
The  Snake  women  were  Ncry  skillful  in  dressing  robes 
— far  superior  to  our  own,  as  they  had  been  more  en- 
gaged in  it. 

My  wan-iors  were  again  burning  with  the  desire  for 
war  and  horse-raids,  although  our  ])rairies  were  alive 
with  animals.  Inaction  seemed  to  consume  them.  In 
spite  of  my  })rohibition,  they  would  steal  away  in  ])ar- 
ties  during  the  night.  When  convicted,  I  would  inflici 
severe  floggings  upon  them  by  my  Dog  Soldiers  (who 
did  not  spare  the  lash) ;  ])ut  it  was  to  little  purpose. 
In  fact,  they  took  it  as  honorable  distinetion  to  reeoiv(^ 


'MH 


AiiTomotiKAriiv  OI' 


Ji  lashing,  inasnuich  aa  it  indicated  tlioir  ovomillnp;  ar- 
dor for  war;  iiud  tlio  culprit  who  received  a  iio.^uiiii;- 
this  inoriiing  for  disobedience  of  orders,  was  sure  lo  he 
olf  at  nit^ht  again.  An  old  warrior  des|)is(\s  lh(^  si,i;li( 
of  a  fraj);  luiutiug  buflalo,  even,  does  not  aiVord  him 
cxciteuu'ut  enough.  Notliiug  hut  war  or  a  lutrse-raid 
is  a  business  wortii  their  atten<hng  to,  and  tiie  cliicf 
who  seeks  to  control  this  precUlection  too  far  loses  i»0|t- 
nlarity. 

Accordingly,  T  gave  way  to  tlie  general  desire  of  my 
warriors.  1  seh*cted  one  hundred  and  sixty  truslv 
braves,  intendino:  "  to  lay  alonti-side"  my  old  friends  tlie 
Jilack  Feet,  and  wipe  out  one  or  two  old  scores  I  iiad 
marked  against  liiem.  I  invaded  their  territory  with 
my  little  force,  and  marched  on,  achuonisliing  my  spies 
to  extreme  vic-ilance.  We  came  in  sit2:iit  of  a  villaixe, 
and  secretetl  ourselves  till  tiie  proper  hour  of  nigiit. 
On  our  mnrcli  we  discovered  a  single  Indian.  Sonu' 
of  the  i)arty  called  him  to  them,  and  clubbed  him  down 
and  scalped  him.  lie  had  mistaken  us  for  his  own 
people. 

At  midnight  we  visited  their  herd,  and  drove  out  six 
hundred  and  forty  head.  \  number  of  their  best  cat- 
tle were  tied  at  the  doors  of  their  lodges  and  in  their 
corrals.  I  an'ived  home  safe  with  my  booty,  and,  as 
1  had  taken  one  scalp;  we  had  a  great  dance.  All  our 
other  part  ies  were  very  successful,  exce])ting  one.  Tliat 
was  one  that  had  gone  on  an  expedition  against  the 
Arrap-a-hofl.  Pine  Leaf  was  in  tlie  number.  They 
had  taken  about  a  thousand  horses,  and,  having  reach- 
ed a  distance  that  they  supposed  safe,  they  slackened 
their  ])ace,  and  were  proceeding  carelessly  along.  Sud- 
denly their  pursuers  came  in  sight- -a  strong  })osse 
tomitatus — and  retook  all  their  animals  except  thos«' 


JAIMKS   r.    nKCKWOlIIlTFr. 


369 


icr  ar- 

I  to  1)0 
:  sii;-lil 
(I  liim 

1  of  my 
trust  y 
nds  tl»»' 
3  1  had 
ly  witli 
ly  s])iow 
villap;o, 

f  ni;j;li1. 
Home 

in  down 
liis  own 

3  out  six 
l)est  cat- 
in  their 
,  and,  as 
All  our 
le.    That 
ainst  the 
ir.     Thoy 
no;  roach- 
shickenod 

t\rr.       Sud- 

■)\vr  posse 
'.pt  those 


that  horo  the  i'li^itives,  and  killed  three  of  their  com- 
rades, '{'he  Iieroiru^  eanic  buck  in  mourning,  looking 
like  the  last  of  her  race. 

( )ne  of  our  victorious  parties  brought  back  iifty  boys 
and  girls  whom  thv.y  had  captured  while  gathering 
fruit.  Since:  the  loss  of  our  three  thousand  horses  to 
the  Black  Feet  wc  had  captured  six  thousand,  two  thou- 
sand tive  hundred  of  which  had  been  recovered  from 
the  I  Mack  Feet. 

Wc  now  moved  on  to  the  Yellow  Stone,  and  cross- 
ed it,  the  villages  still  keeping  together.  W(!  then 
journeyed  on  slowly  in  the  direction  of  the  fort,  trap- 
piiig  and  hunting  all  the  way.  Wc  kept  a  vigilant  eye 
n[)on  onr  prisoners,  for  fear  they  might  attempt  an  es- 
cape to  their  own  tribes,  and  thus  bring  upon  us  a  foe 
wlien  we  had  no  time  to  attend  to  him. 

This  was  a  very  productive  fall  for  jxdtry,  and  wc 
sent  in  great  cpiantitics  to  tlu^  fort  in  cidvanee  of  our  ar- 
rival. 1  remained  at  the  trading-post  nearly  the  whole 
of  the  winter.  In  the  early  spring  the  Crows  sent  for 
me  to  rejoin  them.  I  went,  accordingly,  and  found  tliat 
their  long-continued  good  fortune  had  suftered  a  re- 
verse. They  had  grown  careless  in  their  exjx'ditions, 
and  ]iad  lost  some  of  their  wan'iors.  They  wished  my 
aid  to  revenge  their  deaths  and  wash  their  faces. 

I  required  them  to  defer  their  retaliation  until  iho'ir 
robes  were  dressed  and  sent  to  the  fort.  They  took 
hold  of  the  business  in  good  earnest,  and  every  robe 
was  soon  ready  for  market. 

It  was  now  time  to  plant  our  tobacco,  and  wc  all 
moved  in  the  direction  of  our  planting-ground.  The 
seed  was  put  in,  and  the  attending  ceremonial  gone 
through  with.  Our  pacific  business  thus  completed, 
the  warriors  began  to  prepare  for  war.     Onr  horses  had 

Q2 


;J7() 


AUTOniOtSRAIMlY    OK 


been  hiU  Jittio  used  during  flic,  winter,  and  tJicy  were 
all  tilt  and  in  Iiigh  -'Oii'li^ion. 

I  look  tinre  hundred  and  sixty  warriors  and  went 
against  the  Cheycnncs.  We  diseovered  a  moving  vil- 
lage of  sixty  lodges,  eliargcd  on  it,  and  bore  away  nine 
scalps,  with  considerable  booty,  without  losing  one  drop 
of  blood.  Pine  Leaf  was  in  my  ])arty,  and  being  so 
unfortunate  as  not  to  count  one  <vw,  she  was  greatly 
out  of  humor,  and  blamed  me  for  depriving  her  of  the 
opportunity  of  killing  an  enemy,  "^riie  truth  is,  we 
had  no  time  to  favor  her,  as  1  was  desirous  to  secure 
our  booty  and  get  oti'  without  endangering  the  loss  of 
a  man. 

Her  young  lilack  Foot  prisoner  had  become  quite  a 
warrior ;  he  went  to  wr.r  constantly,  and  bid  fair  to 
equal  his  captor  in  valor,  lie  was  already  a  match 
for  an  ordinary  Sioux  warrior,  and  took  great  pride  in 
his  sister  Pine  Leaf. 

All  our  war-parties  returned  without  loss,  and  the 
nation  resumed  its  customary  good  spirits.  I  then 
returned  to  the  fort,  where  I  rested  all  the  summer. 

My  thoughts  had  for  a  long  time  past  reverted  to 
home.  Year  after  year  had  rolled  away,  and  now  that 
I  had  attained  middle  life,  they  seemed  to  pass  me  with 
accelerated  pace,  and  the  question  would  intrude  upon 
my  mind.  What  h.ad  I  done?  When  I  abandoned  my- 
self seriously  to  reflection,  it  seemed  as  if  1  had  slum- 
bered away  the  last  twelve  years.  Others  had  accom- 
plislied  the  same  toils  as  myself,  and  were  now  enjoying 
the  fruits  of  their  labor,  and  living  in  luxury  and  ease. 

But  what  had  been  my  career?  and  what  advance 
had  T  made  toward  tJiis  desirable  consummation  ?  I 
had  just  visited  the  Lidian  territory  to  gratify  a  youth- 
ful thirst  for  adventure;  1  had  narrowly  escaped  starv- 


JAMES    I».   BKCKWOUKTII. 


371 


were. 


wont 
-  vil- 
r  nine 
^  drop 
iuur  so 
;r('atly 
of  tlu' 
is,  we 
secure 
loss  of 


quite  a 

fair  to 

match 
pride  in 

and  the 
I  then 
nmcr. 
crtcd  to 
low  that 
mc  with 
idc  upon 
)ned  niy- 
ad  sUim- 
d  accom- 
cnjoying 
and  ease. 
;  advance 
ition  ?     I 
T  a  youth- 
ped  starv- 


ation in  a  sorviee,  in  which  \  liad  no  interest ;  I  had 
traversed  tlie  fastnesses  of  the  far  Jtocky  Mountains 
in  summer  heats  and  winter  frosts  ;  I  had  cncountererl 
savage  beasts  and  wild  men,  until  my  deliverance  was 
a  prevailing  miracle.  Jiy  the  mere  hadutatje  of  a  fel- 
low-trapper I  had  been  adopted  among  the  savages, 
and  had  conformed  my  superior  habits  to  their  ruth- 
less and  untutored  ways  ;  I  had  accompanied  them  in 
their  mutual  slaughters,  and  dyed  my  iiand  crimson 
witli  tlie  blood  of  victims  who  had  never  injured  mc ; 
f  had  distinguished  niyself  in  my  barbarian  seclusion, 
and  had  risen  to  supreme  command  in  the  nation  1  had 
devoted  myself  to.  And  what  had  1  to  show  for  so 
nnieli  wasted  energy,  and  such  a  catalogue  of  ruthless 
deeds  ? 

1  had  been  the  means  of  saving  many  a  fellow-creat- 
ure's life.  Did  they  still  owe  me  gratitude?  J*ossi- 
bly  some  few  did,  while  others  had  forgotten  my  name. 
In  good  trutli,  wiien  1  sought  tlie  results  of  my  pro- 
longed labors,  1  found  1  had  simply  wasted  my  time. 
1  had  bestowed  years  upon  others,  and  only  moments 
upon  myself. 

However,  I  still  lived,  and  there  was  yet  time  to 
take  more  heed  unto  my  ways.  I  resolved  to  go  home 
and  sec  my  friends,  and  deliver  myself  from  this  j)res- 
ent  vagabond  life.  The  attachments  1  had  formed  dur- 
ing my  savage  chieftainship  still  retained  some  hold 
upon  my  aflections,  and  it  was  barely  possible  1  might 
return  to  them,  and  end  my  days  among  rny  trusty 
braves.  There  at  least  was  fidelity,  and,  when  my 
soul  should  de])art  for  the  spirit  land,  their  rude  faith 
would  prompt  then)  to  paint  my  bones,  and  treasure 
them  until  I  should  visit  them  from  my  ever-flowering 
hunting-ground,  and  demand  tliem  at  their  liands. 


;J72 


AirToiuodKAi'iiv  or 


Sucli  Hol»(»r  tlioM^lils  as  \\u'si\  ocnipioil  jny  iiiiiid 
iluriii^  my  Miiimiu'r  irsidciuT  al  Hic  linl.  I  liad  brought 
wifli  ino,  all  I  lie  peltry  \\v  had  acMMimulatcMl,  in  order 
io  Ite  in  Heasoii  lor  flie  boats,  wliieli  were  soon  to  ntart 
lor  the  lowiM-  tort.  I  had  direetiMl  the  village  to  follow 
along  with  whatever  peltry  they  might  collect  betore, 
the  departnn'  ot'the  boatM. 

in  obedienei'  to  this  instruction,  about  two  hundred 
and  titty  warriors  eanu'  down,  1>ringing  their  connnod- 
ities  with  them;  but  tiie:  boats  had  gone,  and  i  still 
was  waitinu:  at  tlu^  tort. 

One  day  a  party  of  my  men  were  out  to  hunt  l)ut- 
I'alo  lor  our  own  use,  when  they  aeeidentally  seared  up 
eleven  lUaek  Teet,  who  were  lurking  about  on  the 
look-out  tor  horses.  They  chased  them  into  our  old 
can) ping-ground,  and  the  t'ngitives  had  taken  relugc  in 
our  ohl  temporary  tort.  I  was  pitting  at  the  lort  the, 
wiiile,  busily  conversing  with  ])ersons  present;  I  heard 
the  report  of  their  guns,  and  supposed,  if  the  atfair 
provivl  serious,  1  should  be  ])romptly  sent  for.  liad 
Hand,  one  of  my  leaders,  linally  said,  "They  arc  tight- 
ing  out  yonder,  and  I  don't  suj)posc  they  can  do  any 
thing  without  we  arc  with  them.      Let  us  go." 

AV^c  each  threw  on  a  chief's  coat,  and  went  down  to 
sec  how  matters  stood.  1  found  the  IJlack  Feet  forti- 
lied  in  their  position,  and  our  men  inelfcctually  tiring 
upon  them.  I  ordered  an  immediate  assault,  })lacing 
myself  at  their  head.  AVe  advanced  a  few  paces  at  a 
rapid  rate,  when  I  fell  senseless,  with  the  blood  gush- 
ing from  my  mouth  in  a  stream.  All  supj)osed  me 
mortally  wounded,  and  I  was  carried  into  the  fort  to 
breathe  my  last. 

The  boats  had  left,  and  TuUeck  happened  to  be 
plarting  after  them  just  as  I  was  carried  in.     Seeing 


.lAMKH    V.    nKCKWCH'KTll. 


ii7'A 


u\'\\n\ 
rou^lit 

0  Htart 
follow 
bot'oH'. 

»nnno(l- 
[  I  still 

mt  hni- 

",x\vd  up 
on  tlic 
our  old 

elugc  iu 
fort  tho, 

1  I  licjird 
iic  ulVjiir 
r.  Wild 
irc  figlit- 
i  do  any 

down  to 
cot  tbrti- 
lly  luing 
placing; 
aces  at  u 
lod  gusli- 
)oscd  mc 
le  fort  to 

ed  to  be 
Seeing 


my  wounded  rondition,  and  every  one  pronouncing  ni<; 
in  a  <lying  Hlafe,  lie  rvporled  nu;  an  lu'ing  dead  at  the 
lower  fort,  wiienci;  the  uv.wh  traveled  to  my  IriendH  in 
St.  lA)uiH  that  I  had  Ixien  killed  in  n  tight  with  the 
Indians. 

In  an  hour  or  two  it  was  discovenul  that  there  was 
still  life  in  me,  and  that  I  was  reviving.  I  was  exam- 
ined :  there  was  no  bulh^t-wound  on  my  b<>dy,  and 
again  it  was  provcsd  that  my  broad-bladed  hunting- 
knife  (though  not  the  same  one)  had  avisrted  the  blow. 
It  had  been  struck  with  an  ouncur  of  lead  impelled  with 
the  full  force  of  gunpow<ler.  I  speedily  reeoveatid,  but 
cotitinued  sore  for  a  long  time. 

Kvery  Black  I'oot  was  killed  by  my  men,  who  sealed 
their  defense  and  leaped  upon  them  in  such  nundjcrs 
that  they  almost  smothered  them.  Only  four  of  my 
warriors  were  woundad.  Intelligence  of  my  injury  was 
sent  to  the  village,  which  was  three  weciks  in  reaching 
them.  One  thousand  warriors  instantly  set  out  for  the 
fort,  all  my  wives  aec^ompanying  them  ;  but  1  had  re- 
covered before  their  arrival. 

Our  party  had  scarcely  encamped  outside  the  fort, 
when  the  J51ack  Feet,  who  were  always  haunting  us, 
stole  about  eight  hundred  he.id  of  horses.  On  discov- 
ering the  theft,  a  large  party  st.'irted  on  their  trail  up 
the  river.  The  depredators  would  have  to  cross  the 
river  to  get  home,  and  there  was  no  crossing  for  horses 
nearer  than  liftecn  miles,  after  which  they  had  to  go  on 
to  the  INFussel  Shell,  a  distance  of  twenty  miles  far- 
ther, and  only  ten  from  the  fort.  I  knew  that  this 
would  be  the  route  of  the  fugitives,  because  it  was  their 
regular  beat.  I  had  had  no  thought  of  going  until  it 
suddenly  occurred  to  mc  that  the  party  in  pursuit 
would  most  likely  fail  to  overtake  the  thieves,  while 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


A 


Z 


f/. 


$^/ 
^ 


1.0 


I.I 


■-IM 

|50     ™^ 


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i«  iiijizo 


1118 


1 

11.25      1.4      16 

■a 6"     

► 

.<^. 


71 


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4 


Sciences 
Corporation 


•NJ 


.\ 


4, 


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^ 


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6^ 


<^ 


33  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


<? 


^  .  mis 


L<? 


i 


a74 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


1  had  so  admirable  an  opportunity  to  catch  them  on 
the  Mussel  Shell.  I  took  a  party,  therefore,  forded 
the  river  near  the  fort,  and  went  on  straight  to  the 
Mussel  Shell,  where  I  posted  my  men.  Our  unsus- 
2)ecting  victims  came  up,  singing  in  great  memment, 
and  driving  our  horses  before  them,  all  of  which  were 
jaded.  I  suffered  then;  to  approach  close  upon  us, 
and  then  gave  the  word  to  cliaigc.  Never  was  a  party 
taken  more  by  surprise  ;  they  were  too  dumbfoundered 
to  offer  resistance,  and  all  wc  had  to  do  was  to  chop 
them  down.  We  had  tlieir  twenty-four  scalps  in  little 
more  than  the  same  number  of  seconds. 

When  tlie  other  party  came  \ip  and  found  the  work 
done,  they  thought  we  had  been  rained  down  there. 
They  knew  ihcy  had  left  us  at  the  fort,  and  we  had 
not  passed  them  on  the  way,  and  where  did  wc  come 
from? 

Pine  I^eaf  was  with  the  party,  and  she  was  ready  to 
blow  me  off  my  horse.  It  was  unfair  to  take  +he  joT) 
out  of  their  hands,  after  they  had  almost  run  their  horses 
off  their  legs  in  the  chase.  I  expressed  my  icgret  at 
the  fortunate  turn  affairs  had  taivcn,  and  promised  nev- 
er to  offend  in  the  same  manner  again ;  but  it  was  a 
long  while  before  I  coidd  banter  her  into  good  humor. 

I  remained  at  the  fort  all  the  summer  (as  before 
stated),  intending  to  go  down  the  riv^er  on  my  way  to 
St.  Louis  with  the  last  boats  in  the  fall.  While  idling 
there,  1  found  the  five  men  whom  I  had  rescued  from 
starvation  in  a  penniless  condition,  and  unable  to  go 
to  work  again.  It  seemed  the  company  had  issued  or- 
ders to  their  agents  to  furnish  no  more  outfits  to  free 
trappers  on  their  personal  credit,  as  the  risk  was  too 
great,  from  their  extreme  liability  to  be  killed  by  the 
Indians.     To  engage  to  work  for  the  ;>ompany  at  tlie 


JAMES    F.  BECKWOURTH. 


:M5 


lem  on 

forded 

to  the 

unsus- 

riment, 

ih  were 

pon  us, 

a  party 

iindered 

to  chop 

in  little 

ho,  work 

n  there. 

\vc  liad 

ive  come 

ready  to 
e  +he  job 
;ir  horses 
1  egret  at 
ised  nev- 
it  was  a 
d  humor, 
as  before 
y  way  to 
lile  idhng 
3ued  from 
ble  to  go 
issued  or- 
its  to  free 
V  was  too 
ed  by  the 
my  at  the 


price  they  were  paying  liands  was  only  peiiietuating 
their  poverty  ;  for  they  were  running  the  same  risk  of 
their  lives  as  if  trapping  for  tlieniselves,  and  their  re- 
muneration was  but  as  one  to  ten.  They  were  do^vn- 
hearted,  and  knew  not  what  to  do.  Considerinc:  their 
sad  condition,  I  determined  to  befriend  them,  and  risk 
the  chances.  I  therefore  offered  to  give  them  an  ex- 
cellent outfit,  and  direct  them  to  the  best  beaver-ground 
in  the  Crow  nation,  where  they  would  l)e  ])rotected  from 
all  harm  by  my  CroAV  waiTiors  as  my  friends,  my  in- 
terest to  be  one  lialf  of  the  proceeds. 

This  offer  was  cheeriully  accepted  by  the  five  men, 
and  tliey  were  highly  elated  at  the  prospect.  I  then 
acquainte'1  the  Crows  that  those  men  were  my  friends; 
that  they  were  the  remains  of  a  party  ?f  eleven,  of 
whom  six  had  been  killed  by  the  Black  ]"^cct,  wdio  had 
despoiled  them  of  every  thing  they  had,  and  that  I  had 
found  these  in  the  prairie  almost  fanr'shed  to  death.  I 
had  engaged  them  to  stay  in  the  nation  and  trap  for 
me,  and  I  wished  my  faithful  Crow  braves  to  protect 
them  in  their  pursuit,  and  suffer  none;  to  offer  them  mo- 
lestation. This  they  all  readily  promised  to  do,  and 
were  even  pleased  with  the  tnist ;  for  it  was  a  belief 
with  the  Crows  that  the  beavers  in  their  streams  were 
too  numerous  ever  to  be  diminished.  My  bosom  friend 
offered  to  remain  with  them,  to  show  them  the  best 
streams,  and  render  them  ail  the  assistance  in  his  pow- 
er. He  was  a  most  valuable  auxiliary,  as  his  skill  in 
trapping  I  never  saw  excelled.  They  went  to  work, 
and  met  with  extraordinary  success  ;  my  share  of  their 
labors  of  less  than  three  months  amounted  to  five  thou- 
haad  dollars. 


376 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Departure  for  St.  Louis. — Visit  Fort  Union. — Foit  C'arkc. — Descend 
to  the  A-rick-a-ra  Country. — Am  taken  Prisoner. — Extraordinary 
Means  of  Release. — Reach  St.  Louis. — Scarcely  recognized  by  my 
Sisters. — Changes. — Estrangement  of  Friends. — Sigh  for  my  In- 
dian Home. 

The  Sparrowliawk  nation  was  all  assembled  at  tlic 
fort,  to  take  le.ave  ot'tlic  Medicine  Calf  for  several  moons. 
The  boats  liad  arrived  filled  with  a  fresh  stock  of  goods, 
and  tlie  nation  made  purchases  to  the  amount  of  many 
thousands  of  dollars.  The  boats  being  now  ready  to 
return  again,  I  made  a  short  address  to  my  people  be- 
fore I  bade  them  adieu. 

"  Sparrowhawks  !"  I  said,  "I  am  going  to  leave  you 
for  a  few  moons,  to  visit  my  friends  among  the  white 
men.  I  shall  return  to  you  by  Green  Grass,  when  the 
boats  come  back  from  the  country  of  the  whites.  While 
I  am  away,  I  desire  you  to  reii  ;  mer  the  counsel  I 
have  often  given  you.  I  wish  you  to  send  out  no  war- 
parties,  because  you  want  for  nothing,  and  your  nation 
is  feared  by  all  the  neighboring  tribes.  Keep  a  good 
look-out  over  your  liorses,  so  as  to  aiford  the  enemy  no 
opportunity  of  stealing  them.  It  is  through  careless- 
ness in  the  horse-guards  that  one  half  the  horses  are 
lost,  and  it  is  the  loss  of  horses  that  leads  to  half  the 
battles  tlxcit  you  fight.  It  is  better  not  to  ha^•e  your 
horses  stolen  in  the  first  place,  than  to  steal  more  in 
the  place  of  those  you  have  lost. 

"  I  also  commend  Mr.  Tulleck  to  your  care,  as  well 
as  all  the  inmates  of  tlie  fort.     Visit  them  often,  and 


JAMES   P.  IJECKWOURTII. 


377 


-Descend 
aordinary 
ed  by  my 
»r  my  In- 

d  at  the 
[  moons, 
if  goods, 
of  many 
ready  to 
;ople  be- 

eavc  you 
he  white 
when  the 
.    While 
counsel  I 
t  no  war- 
ur  nation 
!p  a  good 
enemy  no 
careless- 
Lorses  are 
0  half  the 
la^■e  your 
il  more  in 

L*e,  as  well 
often,  and 


pee  that  they  are  not  besieged  or  starved  out  by  their 
enemies.  Do  not  let  the  Black  Feet  or  any  other  bad 
Indians  harm  them.  Behave  yourselves  as  becomes 
my  faithful  Crows.     Adieu!" 

They  all  promised  obedience  to  my  instructions,  and 
I  was  soon  on  board.  The  boats  were  cast  loose,  and 
we  were  borne  rapidly  down  stream  by  the  swift  cur- 
rc^nt  of  the  Yellow  Stone. 

We  called  at  Fort  Union,  and  I  staid  tliere  three 
days.  Here  I  had  a  fine  canoe  built,  and  two  oarsmen 
furnished  me  to  carry  me  to  St.  Louis.  I  was  bearer 
of  a  large  package  of  letters  ;  and  when  my  little  craft 
was  finished,  I  stepped  on  board  and  launched  out  upon 
the  swift-rolling  current  of  the  Missouri.  After  tlie 
brilliant  opportunities  I  had  had  of  realizing  a  princely 
fortune,  my  only  wealth  consisted  of  an  order  upon  the 
company  for  seven  thousand  eight  hundred  dollars. 

Arriving  at  Fort  Clarke,  we  made  another  short  stay. 
The  A-rick-a-ras,  whose  country  was  some  hundred 
and  fifty  miles  farther  down,  had  just  stolen  nearly  all 
the  horses  belonging  to  the  fort.  Bellemaire,  the  in- 
tci-preter  of  the  fort,  proposed  to  me  to  go  after  them, 
and  see  if  we  could  recover  some  of  the  horses.  I  con- 
sented, and  we  went  down  to  their  village  in  my  canoe, 
and  on  our  arrival  there  found  them  all  dancing.  An- 
toine  Garro,  with  two  relatives,  w^ere  in  the  number. 
On  seeing  our  approach,  one  shouted,  "  Here  come 
white  men!"  and  Garro  and  his  brother  instantly  sprang 
toward  us  and  pushed  us  into  a  lodge,  where  we  were 
apparently  prisoners.  A  council  was  summoned  to  de- 
cide upon  our  fate,  and  I  had  but  slight  hopes  of  ever 
.seeing  St.  Louis.  A  young  Indian  came  at  that  mo- 
ment, and  mentioned  in  a  whisper  to  Peter  that  there 
was  a  large  boat  approaching.     He  made  a  long  ha- 


n7H 


AI'TOBIOGRAPIIY    Ol' 


ranguo  before  tlie  others,  in  wliicli  lie  earnestly  and  en- 
ergetically declaimed  against  taking  tlic  lives  of  white 
men.  lie  concluded  his  oration  hy  saying,  "  You  have 
now  my  opinion,  and  remember,  if  you  decide  upon  tak- 
ing these  white  men's  lives,  E  stay  with  you  no  lon- 
ger.'' ITe  then  left  the  council  and  went  down  to  the 
boat,  Avhere  he  advised  the  occupants  to  cross  to  the 
other  side  of  the  river,  as  the  Indians  were  at  that  mo- 
ment deliberating  upon  the  fate  of  Bellemaire  and  three 
others.  GaiTo's  father  happened  to  be  on  board,  who 
was  a  great  man  among  the  Indians,  and,  on  learning 
what  business  was  in  hand,  he  provided  himself  with  a 
club,  and  entered  the  village  with  his  son  Peter.  He 
then  set  about  the  council,  and  adminisi^ered  to  all  the 
members  such  a  hearty  thrashing,  laying  about  him  as 
if  fighting  wild  bulls,  that  I  thought  he  nmst  surely 
slay  seme  of  them. 

"There!"  exclaimed  the  old  man,  after  having  be- 
labored them  till  he  was  out  of  breath,  '*I'll  teach  you 
to  deliberate  on  the  lives  of  white  men,  dogs  as  ye  arc !" 

The  Indians  offered  no  resistance,  and  said  not  a 
word.  We  remained  all  night  with  old  Garro's  com- 
pany, and  returned  to  the  fort  in  the  morning.  Belle- 
maire recovered  his  own  horses,  but  could  obtain  none 
belonging  to  the  fort.  We  called  at  all  the  forts  that 
lay  in  our  way,  to  collect  what  dispatches  they  had  to 
send,  making  but  brief  stay,  however,  as  I  was  impa- 
tient to  be  getting  on.  At  Fort  Canaille  I  obtained  a 
passenger,  a  son  of  Mr.  Pappen,  who  was  going  to  St. 
Louis,  and  I  received  reiterated  charges  to  be  very  care- 
ful of  him. 

Soon  after  our  departure  from  the  fort  there  came 
on  a  cold  rain-storm,  which  lasted  several  hours ;  the 
storm  raged  fiercely,  and  we  had  to  make  fast  to  a 


JAMES    I'.  BECKWOUKTH. 


iMi) 


nd  en- 
'  white 
u  heave 
m  tak- 
10  loii- 

to  the 

to  the 
lat  mo- 
ld three 
:d,  who 
earning 
'  with  a 
T.  He 
.  all  the 

him  as 
;  surely 

Hng  be- 
ach you 
ye  arc!" 
d  not  a 
o's  com- 
Belle- 
ain  none 
brts  that 
y  had  to 
as  impa- 
btained  a 
ng  to  St. 
rery  care- 

ere  came 
)urs ;  the 
fast  to  a 


snag  in  the  middle  of  the  river  to  save  ourselves  from 
driving  ashore.  I  had  my  Indian  iire-striker,  and,  amid 
all  the  wind  and  rain,  I  repeatedly  lit  my  pipe.  My 
young  passenger  was  astonished  at  the  performance. 
"  If  you  can  strike  a  fire,"  he  exclaimed,  "  in  such  a 
storm  as  this,  I  do  not  fear  perishing." 

When  the  storm  had  somewhat  abated,  we  landed 
to  encamp.  I  shot  two  fat  wild  turkeys,  which  were 
(juite  a  rarity  to  me,  after  having  lived  so  many  years 
on  buffalo-meat,  there  being  no  turkeys  in  tlie  Crow 
country.  On  arriving  at  Jefferson  City  I  felt  quite 
sick,  and  showed  symptoms  of  fever ;  but  I  was  anx- 
ious to  reach  home  without  laying  up.  A  steamboat 
coming  down  the  river,  I  went  on  board,  canoe  and 
all,  and  was  soon  landed  on  the  dock  of  St.  Louis. 

It  was  fourteen  years  since  I  had  last  seen  the  city, 
and  what  a  difference  was  observable  in  those  few 
years!  But  I  was  too  sick  to  take  much  not)  t  of 
things,  and  hastened  to  my  sister's  house,  accompanied 
by  the  cai*penter  of  the  boat. 

He  rapped  j  the  door  was  opened  by  my  younger  sis- 
ter; I  was  supporting  myself  against  the  wall.  Greet- 
ings passed  between  them,  for  my  companion  was  ac- 
quainted with  my  family ;  and  he  then  informed  her 
that  he  was  the  bearer  of  sad  news — hf  brother  James 
was  dead. 

My  sister  Louise  began  to  cry,  and  informed  him 
they  had  learned  the  news  some  weeks  since. 

Then  turning  to  me,  he  said,  "Come  in,  Jim,  and 
see  your  sister  cry  for  you." 

I  advanced,  and  addressed  her  in  my  old  familiar 
manner,  "  How  do  you  do,  Lou  ?" 

I  must  have  been  a  curious  looking  object  for  an  af- 
fectionate sister  to  recognize.    All  my  clotliing  consist- 


:i8() 


AIITOHIOOK'APHV   Ol 


cd  of  dressed  antelope,  deer,  and  the  skins  of  mount- 
ain slieep,  highly  ornamented  by  my  Indian  wives.  My 
long  hair,  as  black  as  the  raven's  wing,  descended  to 
my  hips,  and  I  presented  more  the  appearance  of  a 
Crow  than  that  of  a  civilized  being. 

She  gazed  at  me  for  a  moment  with  a  searching  look, 
and  then  exclaiming,  "My  God,  it  is  my  brotlierl"  she 
flew  into  my  arms,  and  was  for  some  time  unable  to 
speak. 

At  length  she  said,  "  Wc  received  a  letter  informhig 
us  of  your  death,  and  that  Mr.  TuUeck  had  seen  you 
borne  into  Fort  Cass  dead." 

My  elder  sister,  Matilda,  was  up  stairs,  entertaining 
a  few  female  friends,  and  Lou  bounded  up  stairs  to 
acquaint  her  that  lier  brother  James  wished  to  speak 
to  her. 

Thinking  her  to  be  jesting,  she  said,  "Are  you  not 
ashamed  of  yourself  to  jest  on  such  a  subject?"  and  she 
shed  tears  at  thus  having  me  recalled  to  remembrance. 

Louise  asseverated  her  earnestness,  and  Matilda  re- 
-»'  'oved  her  for  her  wantonness,  but  would  not  budge  to 
^  J   nd  see  for  herself.    At  length  a  Mrs.  Le  Fevre  said, 

"  Matilda,  I  believe  she  is  in  earnest,  and  if  you  do 
not  go  and  see,  I  will." 

She  had  been  a  child  with  me,  and  we  used  to  re- 
peat our  catechism  together;  now  she  was  married, 
and  the  mother  of  several  children. 

She  came  tripping  down  stairs  into  my  sister's  apart- 
ment, making  a  ceremonious  courtesy  as  she  entered. 
My  sister  introduced  her  to  me,  asking  me  if  I  did  not 
recollect  my  commere  (for  we  were  baptized  together). 
I  had  forgotten  her,  but  the  mention  of  this  circum- 
stance recalled  her  to  my  mind,  and  there  was  an- 
other embracing. 


JAMES   P.    m:CKWOi:UTH. 


;$81 


mount- 
3S.  31  y 
ulcd  to 
ce  of  a 

ig  look, 
.r'."shc 
ial)lc  to 

iformiiig 
,ecn  you 

si-ti^ining 
stairs  to 
to  speak 

you  not 
'  and  she 
mbrancc. 
atilda  re- 
budge  to 
3vrc  said, 
if  you  do 

sed  to  re- 
niarried, 

er's  apart- 
e  entered. 
[  I  did  not 
together), 
is  circum- 
e  was  an- 


il 


J  lor  faith  being  thus  confinncd,  my  sister  ^Matihh 
was  caHeil  down,  and  my  reccjjtion  from  her  was  even 
more  cordial  than  from  the  preceding  friends.  Siie  was 
a  woman  of  great  warmth  of  feeling,  and  her  heart  was 
full  to  ovei-tiowing  with  the  ^motions  my  name  had 
called  up.  She  was  the  eldest  of  the  family,  and  since 
our  mother's  death  she  had  been  at  once  mother  and 
sister  to  us  all.  Although  I  was  the  vagrant  of  tlie 
family,  I  still  lived  in  her  sisterly  heart,  and  the  su})- 
jjosition  that  my  earthly  career  was  closed  had  only 
hallowed  my  memory  in  her  affections. 

This  was  my  second  reception  by  my  relatives  after 
1  had  been  supposed  dead.  One  l)y  my  savage  friends, 
who,  in  welcoming  me  as  their  long-lost  child,  exhilj- 
ited  all  the  genuine  emotions  of  untutored  nature  ;  and 
this  second  by  my  civilized  friends,  who,  if  less  ener- 
getic in  their  demonstrations  of  attachment,  sliowcd 
equal  heartfelt  joy,  equal  sincerity,  and  far  superior  de- 
corum. 

Tlie  following  morning  I  visited  the  company's  office 
and  delivered  my  letters.  I  became  too  weak  to  walk 
home,  and  Mr.  Chouteau  very  obligingly  drove  me  back 
•in  his  carnage.  I  was  compelled  to  take  to  my  ])ed, 
where  I  was  confined  for  several  days, under  good  med- 
ical attendance,  and  most  assiduously  attended  by  my 
relatives. 

Their  answers  to  my  many  inquiries  confounded  me 
entirely. 

"  Where  is  my  father  ?" 

*'  He  went  back  to  Virginia,  and  died  there  many 
years  ago." 

"  Where  are  my  brothers  ?" 

"They  are  scattered  about  the  country." 

"  Where  is  such  and  such  a  friend  V" 


:\H'2 


AITOIIKMiUArilY    OK 


"  III  his  ji;rjiv(\" 

"  When'  IM  I'ili/jiV" 

"  Slio  wjis  iiiirrird  i\  inonlli  jip;o,  niter  receiving  in- 
telliireiM'*"  ol' your  eerl.'iiii  de.-illi." 

I  eeaMed  my  «|ueivini:;,  Jiiul  nverled  my  eyes  fVom  iiis 
«iMlev'H  pi/,e. 

And  lliis,  I  nuiHed,  is  my  redirn  home  nt'ler  yearH  ol' 
hiiuhl  an(i('ipali<)!iM  «»l  weleome  I  'I'liis  in  my  neeure 
and  snnsliiny  lia\en,  atfev  ho  lonu;  and  (langeroiiH  a 
voyaiie  I  My  lather  dea«l,  my  hrollierH  disiM'r.sed,  inv 
tVi(M»ds  in  ihtMr  graves,  und  my  loved  on(>  married  I  She 
did  well  1  have  no  right  to  eomplain— she  is  lost  to 
me  t'orever  I  it  a  man's  home  exists  in  the  heart  ol'his 
friends,  with  the  d(>ath  and  alienation  of  those  friends 
his  eherislu'd  home  I'ailes  away,  uiul  he  is  again  u  wan- 
derer upon  the  earth. 

I  do  not  know  whether  it  was  disappointment  at  so 
mueli  tleath,  mntation,  and  estrangement,  or  whether  I 
bore  tiie  disease  immediately  in  my  own  heart,  hut  I 
was  disappointed  in  my  return  home  ;  the  antieipations 
I  had  t'ormed  were  not  realized — a  feeling  of  eyiiieism 
passed  over  u\<\  1  thought  of  my  Indian  home,  and 
o(  the  unsophisticated  hearts  1  liad  left  behind  me. 
Their  lives  were  savage,  and  their  perpetual  animosi- 
ties repulsive,  but  with  this  dark  background  there  was 
uuich  viviil  coloring  in  relict".  If  the  Indian  was  unre- 
leuling,  and  inin-dcred  with  his  lance,  his  battle-axe,  and 
his  knife,  his  white  brother  was  ecpially  unfeeling,  and 
had  wavs  of  torturing  his  victim,  if  less  violent,  not 
the  less  cert'iin.  The  savage  is  artless,  and  when  you 
win  his  admiration  there  is  no  envious  reservation  to 
pronrpt  him  to  do  injustice  to  your  name.  Vou  live 
among  them  honored;  and  on  your  death,  your  bones 
iuv  stored  religiously  in  their  great  cave  along  with 


.lAMI.H    I'.    liKCKWollMll, 


:\h:\ 


nj-;  111- 
)\\\  inv 

Tons  !i 

ctl,  my 

!     Slir 

lost  to 

rt  ot'liiH 

{I  wan- 

■nt  ut  St) 
lu'lluT  I 
d,  l»ut  1 
•ipatiourt 
i-yuioisiu 
)im',  and 
lind  mo. 
auiinosi- 
[lieiv  was 
kvas  iiiiri'- 
saxc,  aiul 
eliu}^,  Jiiui 
olcnt,  not 
when  you 
rvation  to 
Vou  live 
our  bones 
ilouii"  with 


oHuTH  of*  pn-ccdin^  }i;riH'..iti<)ii.  ,  lo  Im-  each  year  viHil- 
(mI,  an«l  |iaintr(l,  atnl  irllcrtcd  on  l»y  a  host  of  devoted 
(•oiM|)ani<tnH.  'I'liere,  is  not  the,  elei^ance,  there,  the  lii.x- 
iny,  the  refined  lueedinu;,  hut  liiere,  irt  inde  plenty, 
prairie.s  Htn<hled  vvitli  liorHeM,  and  room  to  wander  willi- 
oiit  any  man  to  e.all  yonr  Htepw  in  (pieHtion.  My  child 
wan  there,  and  liiH  mother,  whom  I  loved;  a  rcliirn 
(here  waH  in  no  way  unnatural.  I  iiad  ac<piire.d  their 
lialtitH,  and  wan  in  Hon)e,  jnamicr  uncM  to  them.  I  had 
no  lie,  to  hold  me  here,  and  I  already  almo.st  determ- 
ined upon  retnrninji;  to  my  Indian  Iiome. 

kSuc-Ii  tlioup;htM  i\H  these,  an  I  lay  on  my  nick-hed, 
puHMed  eontinuoMMly  thron^di  my  mind.  A  few  of  my 
early  fVi«'ndH,  as  lla-y  heard  of  my  return,  came  one 
after  the  other  to  visit  um;  ;  Imt  they  were  all  chan}i;ed. 
The  ili};lit  of  time,  had  wrouglit  furrows  upon  their 
smooth  lirows,  a>ul  the  nhadow  of  the  w'lu^n  of  Time 
was  resting  upon  the  li'.w  fair  cheeks  I  had  known  in 
my  younger  days. 


ClIAl'^riMI  XXVIIT. 

l)iHa«rccal)lo  llcnrountcrs  in  St.  !,ouiH. — MoHKcngrr  arrivoH  from  Fort 
(^;n,„__[,niiiiiu'nt  I'cril  of  thn  VVliitrH  from  tlic  itifurintcd  CrowH.— 
The  Cuusr.— Inuncdiatfi  Krtnrn  — IiicidcntH  of  my  Arrival.— fine 
Leaf  BubstiUUcd  for  Eliza.  — Last  iJaUlc  with  the  Black  Feet. — 
Final  Adieu  to  the  Crows. 

It  now  comes  in  the  order  of  relation  to  describe  two 
or  three  unpleiu^ant  rencounters  I  had  with  various  par- 
ties in  St.  Louis,  growing  out  of  the  misunderstanding 
(already  related)  between  tlic  Crows  and  Mr.  Fitzpat- 
rick's  party.  I  had  already  hciird  reports  in  *hc  mount- 
ains detrimental  to  my  character  for  my  supposed  ac- 


;i.s4 


AIITUIJKXJHArMY    oT 


tloii  ill  tlio  rnattor,  Imt  I  had  never  \nnd  iniicli  Jitlciitioii 
<»  tliein.  FricTjdH  had  cautioned  me  tliat  tliere  were 
large  sunis  of  money  offered  for  my  iife,  and  that  sev- 
eral men  had  even  undertaken  to  earn  the  rewards.  I 
eould  not  credit  Hucli  friendly  intimatioiiH ;  still  I 
thought,  on  tile  ]»rliieiple  tiiat  tlicrc  Is  never  smoke  but 
tlun-e  is  lire,  tliat  it  would  he  as  well  to  keep  myself  a 
little  on  my  guard. 

1  had  recovered  from  my  sickness,  and  I  spent  much 
of  my  time  about  town.  My  friends  repeatedly  in- 
(juired  of  me  if  I  had  seen  i'itzpatrick.  Wondering 
how  so  much  interest  could  attach  to  my  meeting  with 
that  man,  I  asked  one  day  what  reason  there  was  for 
making  the  inquiry.  My  friend  answered,  "  I  don't 
wish  you  to  adduce  me  as  authority ;  but  there  are 
strong  threats  of  taking  your  life  for  an  alleged  rob- 
bery of  Fitzpatrick  by  the  Crow  nation,  in  which  you 
were  deeply  concerned." 

I  saw  now  what  to  prepare  for,  although  I  still  in- 
clined to  doubt  that  any  man,  possessed  of  ordinary 
perceptions,  could  charge  mc  with  an  offense  of  which 
I  was  so  manifestly  innocent.  True,  I  had  met  Fitz- 
patrick  several  times,  and,  instead  of  his  former  cordial 
salutation,  it  was  with  difficulty  he  addressed  a  civil 
word  to  me. 

Shortly  after  this  conversation  with  my  friend  I  went 
to  the  St.  Louis  Theatre.  Between  the  pieces  I  had 
stepped  to  the  saloon  to  obtain  some  refreshments,  and 
I  saw  Fitzpatrick  enter,  with  four  other  not  very  re- 
spectable citizens.  They  advanced  directly  toward 
me.  Fitzpatrick  then  poinCed  me  out  to  them,  saying, 
"There's  the  Crow." 

"  Then,"  said  the  others,  "  we  are  Black  Feet,  and 
let  us  have  his  scalp." 


J  AWLS    I'.    HECKWOrKTlC. 


;J85 


out  ion 
■i  wore 

it  HCV- 
(Irf.  I 
Still     I 

ike  but 
ysclt'  u 

t  much 
(lly  iu- 
luloriug 
ng  with 
was  for 
I  don't 
lerc  are 
red  rob- 
lich  you 

still  in- 
ordinary 
of  which 
net  Fitz- 
sr  cordial 
d  a  civil 

id  I  went 
:es  I  had 

lents,  and 
:  very  re- 
y  toward 
n,  saying, 

Feet,  and 


i. 

nie. 


hey  immediately  drew  their  knives  and  rushed  on 


I  then  tliought  of  my  friend's  salutary  counsel  to  bo 
on  my  guard,  but  I  had  no  wca])on  about  nie.  Witli 
the  agility  of  a  cat  1  sprung  over  the  counter,  and  com- 
menced passing  tumblers  faster  than  thoy  had  been  in 
the  habit  of  receiving  them.  I  had  feHod  one  or  two 
of  my  assailants,  and  1  saw  I  was  in  for  a  serious  dis- 
turbance. 

A  friend  (and  he  is  still  living  in  St.  Louis,  woaltiiy 
and  influential)  stepped  behind  the  bar,  and,  slajiping 
me  on  the  slioulder,  said,  "  Look  out,  Ikckwourth,  you 
will  hur^-  some  of  your  friends." 

I  replied  that  my  friends  did  not  appear  to  be  very 
numerous  just  then. 

'*  You  have  friends  present,"  he  added ;  and,  pass- 
ing an  enormous  bowie-knife  into  my  hand,  stepped  out 
again. 

Now  I  was  all  right,  and  felt  myself  a  match  for  the 
five  ruffians.  My  practice  with  the  battle-axe,  in  a 
case  where  the  quickness  of  thought  required  a  corre- 
sponding rapidity  of  action,  then  came  into  play. 

I  made  a  sortie  from  my  position  on  to  the  open  floor, 
and  challenged  the  five  bullies  to  come  on ;  at  the  same 
time  (which,  in  my  excited  state,  was  natural  enough) 
calling  them  by  the  hardest  names. 

My  mind  was  fully  made  up  to  kill  them  if  they  had 
only  come  at  me ;  my  arm  was  nervous ;  and  my 
friends,  who  knew  me  at  that  time,  can  tell  whether  ] 
was  quick-motioned  or  not.  I  had  been  in  situations 
where  I  had  to  ply  my  battle-axe  with  rapidity  and 
precision  to  redeem  my  own  skull.  I  was  still  in  tiiU 
possession  of  my  belligerent  powers,  and  I  had  the  feel- 
ing of  justice  to  sustain  me. 

R 


3.-0 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OF 


I  .stood  at  bay,  with  my  Imgc  bowie-knife  clra\\Ti, 
momentarily  hesitating  whether  to  give  the  Crow  war- 
hoop  or  not,  when  Sheriff  J:Juzby  hiid  haiuls  on  me,  and 
requested  me  to  be  quiet.  Aitiiough  boihng  with  rage,  I 
respeeted  tlie  offieer's  presence,  and  the  assassins  marcli- 
ed  oif  to  the  hody  of  the  theatre.  I  followed  them  to 
the  door,  and  defied  them  to  descend  to  the  street  with 
me;  but  the' sheriff  becoming  angry,  and  threatening 
me  Avitli  the  calaboose,  1  straightway  left  the  theatre. 

1  stood  upon  the  steps,  and  a  friend  coming  up,  I 
borrowed  a  well-loaded  pistol  of  him,  and  moved  slow- 
ly away  thinking  that  five  men  would  surely  never  al- 
low themselves  to  be  cowed  by  one  man.  Shortly  aft- 
er, I  perceived  the  whole  party  approaching,  and,  step- 
ping back  on  the  side-walk  in  front  of  a  high  wall,  I 
waited  their  coming  up.  On  they  came,  swaggering 
along,  assuming  the  appearance  of  intoxication,  and 
talking  with  drunken  incoherer.cy. 

When  they  had  approached  near  enough  to  suit  me, 
I  ordered  them  to  halt,  and  cross  over  to  the  other  side 
of  the  street. 

"  Who  are  you?"  inquired  one  of  them. 

"  I  am  he  whom  you  are  after,  Jim  Beckwourth ;  and 
if  you  advance  one  step  farther,  I  will  blow  the  tops  of 
your  heads  off." 

"You  are  dnink,  ar'n't  you?"  said  one  of  the  party. 

*'No,  I  am  not  dnmk,"  I  replied;  '*  I  never  drink 
any  thing  to  make  a  dog  of  me  like  yourselves." 

I  stood  during  this  short  colloquy  in  the  middle  of 
the  side-walk,  with  my  pistol  ready  cocked  in  one  hand 
and  my  huge  bowie-knife  in  the  other;  one  step  for- 
ward would  have  been  fatal  to  any  one  of  them. 

"  Oh,  he's  drunk,"  said  one ;  "  let's  cross  over  to  the 
other  side."     And  all  five  actually  did  pass  over,  which. 


JAMES    P.    BECKWOURTH. 


387 


drawn, 
)w  war- 
me,  and 
h  rage,  I 
3,  march- 
theni  to 
•eet  with 
:eatening 
Lhcatvc. 
ing  up,  I 
/ed  slow- 
never  al- 
lortly  aft- 
and,  step- 
gh  wall,  I 
•vaggering 
ation,  and 

to  suit  me, 
i  other  side 


ourth;  and 
the  tops  of 

)f  the  party, 
never  drink 
lives." 
le  middle  of 
in  one  hand 
ne  step  for- 
them. 

5S  over  to  the 
over,  which. 


if  any  of  them  ia  Ptill  living  and  has  any  regard  for 
truth,  he  must  admit  to  this  day. 

I  then  proceeded  liome.  My  sister  had  been  inform- 
ed of  the  rencounter,  and  on  my  return  home  I  found 
her  frightened  almost  to  death  ;  for  Forsyth  (one  of  the 
party)  had  long  been  the  terror  of  St.  Louis,  having 
badly  maimed  many  men,  and  tlie  information  that  he 
was  after  me  led  her  to  the  conclusion  that  I  would 
surely  be  killed. 

A  ihw  days  after  I  met  two  of  the  party  (Forsvth 
and  Kinney),  when  Forsyth  accosted  me,  "Your  name 
is  Beckwourth,  I  believe?" 

I  answered,  '*  That  is  my  name." 

"  I  understand  that  you  have  been  circulating  the 
report  that  I  attempted  to  assassinate  you?" 

*'I  have  told  that  you  and  your  gang  have  been  en- 
deavoring to  murder  me,"  I  replied,  "and  I  repeat  it 
here." 

"  I  will  teach  you  to  repeat  such  tales  about  me," 
he  said,  hercely,  and  drew  his  knife,  which  he  called 
his  Arkansas  tooth-pick,  from  his  pocket. 

The  knife  I  had  provided  myself  with  against  any 
emergency  was  too  large  to  carry  about  me  convenient- 
ly, so  I  earned  it  at  my  back,  having  the  handle  within 
reach  ot^  my  finger  and  thumb.  Seeing  his  motion,  I 
whipped  it  out  in  a  second. 

"Now,"  said  I,  "you  miserable  ruffian,  draw  your 
knife  and  come  on !  I  will  not  leave  a  piece  of  you 
big  enough  to  choke  a  dog." 

"Come,"  interposed  Kinney,  "let  us  not  make  black- 
guards of  ourselves  ;  let  us  be  going."  And  they  act- 
ually did  pass  on  without  drawing  a  weapon. 

I  was  much  pleased  that  this  happened  in  a  jmblic 
part  of  the  city,  and  in  open  day ;  for  the  bully,  whom 


388 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


it  was  believed  the  law  could  not  humble,  was  visibly 
cowed,  and  in  the  presence  of  a  large  concourse  of  men. 
I  had  no  more  trouble  from  the  })arty  afterward. 

In  connection  with  tliis  aftair,  it  is  but  justice  to  my- 
self to  mention  that,  when  Captain  Sublet,  Fitzpatrick, 
and  myself  happened  to  meet  in  the  office  of  Mr.  Chou- 
teau, Captain  Sublet  inteiTogated  Fitzpatrick  upon  the 
cause  of  his  hostility  toward  me,  and  represented  to 
him  at  length  the  open  absurdity  of  his  trumping  up 
a  charge  of  robbery  of  his  party  in  the  mountains 
against  me. 

Being  thus  pressed,  Fitzpatrick  used  the  following 
words  :  "I  never  believed  the  truth  of  the  charge  my- 
self; but  when  I  am  in  the  company  of  sundry  per- 
sons, they  try  to  persuade  me  into  the  belief  of  it,  in 
order  to  raise  trouble.  I  repeat,  it  is  not  my  belief  at 
this  present  moment,  and  I  will  not  be  persuaded  into 
believing  it  again."  Then  turning  to  me,  he  said, 
"Beckwou.Ji,  I  have  done  you  a  great  injustice  by 
ever  harboring  such  a  thought.  I  acknowledge  it  free- 
ly, and  I  ask  your  forgiveness  for  the  same.  Let  us  be 
as  we  formerly  were,  friends,  and  think  no  more  about 
it." 

Friends  we  therefore  mutually  pledged  ourselves, 
and  friends  we  have  since  remained  up  to  this*  day. 

V/hile  in  town  I  called  on  General  Ashley,  but  he 
happened  to  be  away  from  home,  I  was  about  leaving 
the  house,  when  a  melodious  voice  invited  me  in  to 
await  the  general's  return. 

"  My  husband  will  soon  be  back,"  the  lady  said, 
"and  will  be,  doubtless,  pleased  to  see  you  " 

I  turned,  and  really  thought  I  was  looking  on  an 
angel's  face.  She  moved  toward  me  with  such  grace, 
and  uttered  such  dulcet  and  haprmonious  sounds,  that  1 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


389 


,  visibly 

of  men. 

d. 

e  to  my- 

zpatrick, 

Lr.  Chou- 

upon  the 

sented  to 

nping  up 

lountains 

following 
large  my- 
mdry  per- 
li  of  it,  in 
Y  belief  at 
laded  into 
,  he  said, 
justice  by 
ige  it  free- 
Let  us  be 
nore  about 

ourselves, 
lis*  day. 

ey,  but  he 
out  leaving 
me  in  to 

lady  said, 

dng  on  an 
uch  grace, 
uids,  that  1 


was  riveted  to  the  spot.  It  was  the  first  time  I  had 
seen  the  lady  of  General  Ashley. 

1  accepted  her  invitation,  and  was  shown  into  a  neat 
little  parlor,  the  lady  taking  a  seat  at  the  window  to  act 
as  my  entertainer  until  the  return  of  the  general. 

"If  I  mistake  not,"  she  said,  "you  are  a  mount- 
aineer ?" 

I  put  on  all  the  airs  possible,  and  replied,  "Yes, 
madam,  I  was  with  General  Ashley  when  he  first  went 
to  the  mountains.  " 

Her  grace  and  affability  so  charmed  me  that  I  could 
not  fix  my  ideas  upon  all  the  remarks  she  addressed 
to  me.  I  was  conscious  I  was  not  showing  myself  off 
to  advantage,  and  she  kept  me  saying  "Yes,  madam" 
and  "No,  madam,"  without  any  correct  understanding 
of  the  appropriateness,  until  she  espied  the  general  ap- 
proaching. 

"Hero  comes  the  general,"  the  lady  said;  "I  knew 
he  would  not  be  long  aw^ay." 

Shortly  the  general  entered  the  lodge,  and  fixed  his 
eye  upon  me  in  an  instant,  at  the  same  time  whipping 
his  pantaloons  playfully  Avith  liis  riding-wliip. 

Rising  from  a  better  chair  than  the  whole  Crow  na- 
tion possessed,  I  said,  without  ceremony,  "  How  do  you 
do,  general  ?" 

"  Gracious  heavens  !  is  this  you,  Beckwourth  ?"  and 
he  seized  my  hand  with  the  grip  of  a  vice,  and  nearly 
shook  off  my  scalp,  while  his  lady  laughed  heartily  at 
tlie  rough  salutation  of  two  old  mountaineers. 

"  My  dear,"  said  the  general,  "  let  me  introduce  you 
to  Mr.  Beckwourth,  of  whom  you  have  heard  mc  so 
often  make  mention.  This  is  the  man  that  saved  my 
life  on  three  different  occasions  in  the  liocky  ^lount- 
ains ;  had  it  not  been  for  our  visitor,  you  would  not 


;J90 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


have  been  Mrs.  A-ihley  at  this  moment.  But  you  look 
sickly,  James  ;  wliat  is  the  matter  V" 

I  replied,  "I  had  been  confined  to  my  bed  since  my 
arrival  in  St.  Louis." 

We  had  a  long  conversation  about  the  mountains  and 
my  residence  with  the  Crow  nation.  1  was  very  Iios- 
pitably  entertained  by  my  former  commander  and  liis 
amiable  lady,  and  when  I  left,  the  promise  was  ex- 
torted from  me  to  make  repeated  calls  upon  them  so 
long  as  I  remained  in  the  city. 

About  tlie  latter  end  of  ]\Iarch  a  courier  arrived  from 
Fort  Cass,  bringing  tidings  of  a  most  alarming  charac- 
ter. He  had  come  alone  through  all  that  vast  extent 
of  Indian  territory  without  being  molested.  Tt  seemed 
as  though  a  special  providence  had  shielded  him. 

lie  found  me  in  the  theatre,  and  gave  me  a  hasty  re- 
hearsal of  the  business.  It  seems  tliat  a  party  of  trap- 
])ers,  who  had  heard  of  my  departure  for  St.  Louis,  hav- 
ing fallen  in  with  a  number  of  Crows,  had  practiced 
upon  them  in  regard  to  me. 

"  Your  great  chief  is  gone  to  the  white  nation,"  said 
the  trapper  spokesman. 

"  Yes,  he  has  gone  to  see  his  friend,  the  great  M'hite 
chief." 

"And  you  will  never  see  him  again." 

"  Yes,  he  will  come  back  in  the  season  of  green 
grass." 

"  No,  the  great  white  chief  has  killed  him." 

"Killed  him!" 

"Yes." 

"  What  had  he  done  that  he  should  kill  him  ?" 

"  He  was  angry  because  he  left  the  whites  and  came 
to  live  with  the  Indians — because  he  fought  for  them." 

It  is  the  greatest  wonder  in  the  world  that  every  one 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


391 


you  look 

since  my 

tains  and 
very  hos- 
r  and  his 
was  cx- 
L  them  so 

ivcd  from 
itx  charac- 
ist  extent. 
It  seemed 
liim. 

I  hasty  re- 
ty  of  trap- 
jouis,  hav- 
l  practiced 

tion,"  said 

a*eat  white 


n  of  green 


a. 


n 


him  ?" 
!S  and  came 
t  for  them." 
it  every  one 


of  the  trapper  party  did  not  lose  their  scalps  on  the 
spot.  If  the  Indians  Jiad  had  any  prominent  leader 
among  them,  tliey  infallibly  would  have  been  all  killed, 
and  have  paid  the  penalty  of  their  mischievous  lyino-. 
Unfortunately  for  the  Crows,  they  believe  all  the  words 
of  a  white  man,  thinking  that  his  tongue  is  always 
straight.  These  trappers,  by  their  idle  invention,  had 
jeopardized  the  lives  of  all  the  white  men  in  the  mount- 
ains. 

The  Indians  said  no  more,  but  dashed  off  to  the  vil- 
lage, and  carried  the  news  of  my  death. 

"  How  do  you  know  that  lie  is  dead  ?*'  they  inquired. 

*'  Because  tlie  whites  told  us  so,  and  their  tongues 
are  not  forked.  The  great  white  chief  was  angry  be- 
cause he  staid  with  our  people,  and  he  killed  him." 

A  council  was  immediately  held  to  decide  upon  meas- 
ures of  vengeance.  It  was  determined  to  proceed  to 
the  fort  and  kill  every  white  man  there,  and  divide  all 
the  goods,  guns,  and  ammunition  among  themselves ; 
then  to  send  out  parties  in  every  direction,  and  make 
a  gencrj.l  massacre  of  every  white  man.  Innumerable 
fingers  were  cut  off,  and  hair  without  measure,  in 
mourning  for  me ;  a  costly  sacrifice  was  then  made  to 
the  Great  Spirit,  and  the  'lation  ne:it  set  about  cany- 
ing  out  their  plans  ct  vengeance. 

The  village  moved  toward  the  fort.  Many  were  op- 
posed to  being  too  hasty,  but  all  agreed  that  their  de- 
cisions should  be  acted  upon.  The  night  before  the 
village  reached  the  fort,  four  women  ran  on  in  advance 
of  the  village  to  acquaint  Mr.  Tulleck  of  the  sanguin- 
ary intention  of  the  Crows.  Every  precaution  was 
taken  to  withstand  them — every  gun  was  loaded.  The 
village  arrived,  and,  contrary  to  all  precedent,  the  gates 
of  the  fort  were  closed. 


892 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OF 


The  savages  were  infuriated.  The  whites  had  heard 
of  the  death  of  the  Medicine  Calf,  and  had  closed  the 
gates  to  prevent  the  anticipated  vengeance.  The  in- 
mates of  the  fort  were  in  imminent  peril ;  hoiTor  was 
visible  on  their  countenances.  They  might  hold  their 
position  for  a  while,  but  an  investment  by  from  ten  to 
fifteen  thousand  savages  must  reduce  it  eventually. 
Tulleck  was  seated  on  the  fort  in  great  perplexity. 
Many  of  the  veteran  Crow  warriors  were  pacing  to  and 
fi'O  outside  the  inclosure.  Yellow  Belly  was  pro\'i- 
sional  head  chief  during  my  absence.  Tulleck  called 
hmi  to  him. 

He  rode  up  and  inquired,  "What  is  the  matter? 
Why  arc  your  gatt"^  shut  against  us  ?" 

"I  had  a  dream  lasi  night,"  replied  Tulleck,  "and  my 
medicine  told  me  I  had  to  fight  my  own  people  to-day." 

"  Yes,  your  bird  told  you  truth ;  he  did  not  lie. 
Your  chief  has  killed  the  JMedicine  Calf,  and  we  slyc 
going  to  kill  you  all." 

"  But  the  Medicine  Calf  is  not  dead ;  he  will  cer- 
tainly come  back  again." 

"  Yes,  he  is  dead.  Tlie  whites  told  us  so,  and  they 
never  lie.  You  need  not  try  to  escape  by  saying  he  is 
not  dead,  for  we  will  not  believe  your  words.  You 
can  not  escape  us ;  you  can  neither  dig  into  the  ground, 
nor  fl^  into  the  air ;  if  you  attempt  to  run,  I  will  put 
five  thousand  warriors  upon  your  trail,  and  follow  you 
to  the  wliite  chief:  even  there  you  shall  not  escape  us. 
We  have  loved  the  whites,  but  we  now  hate  them,  and 
we  are  all  angry.  You  have  but  little  meat  in  the 
fort,  and  I  know  it ;  when  that  is  gone,  you  die." 

My  son,  "little  Jim,"  was  standing  near  the  fort,  and 
Mr.  Tulleck  called  him  to  him.  The  child's  answer 
"Away!  you  smell  bloody!" 


was. 


JAMES   P.    BECKWOURTII. 


393 


lad  heard 
losed  the 
The  in- 
DiTor  was 
[lold  their 
om  ten  to 
i^entually. 
erplexity. 
ng  to  and 
^as  provi- 
eck  called 

e  matter? 

,  "and my 
le  to-day." 
id  not  lie. 
nd  we  ar(^ 

e  will  cer- 

),  and  they 
aying  he  is 
>rds.     You 
he  ground, 
,  I  will  put 
follow  you 
;  escape  us. 
e  them,  and 
meat  in  the 
u  die." 
the  fort,  and 
Id's  answer 


Mr.  Tulleck,  Iiowever,  induced  liim  to  approach,  and 
said,  "Black  Pantlier,  I  have  always  loved  your  father, 
and  you,  and  all  the  warriors,  ilavc  I  ever  told  you 
a  lie  ?" 

"No." 

"They  have  told  you  that  your  father  is  dead,  but 
they  have  lied ;  he  Hvcs,  and  will  come  back  to  you. 
The  white  chief  has  not  killed  him.  My  words  are 
true.  Do  you  believe  your  friend,  and  the  friend  of 
your  father  ?" 

"  Yes.  I  love  my  father;  he  is  a  great  chief.  When 
he  is  here,  I  feel  happy — I  feel  strong ;  but  if  he  is 
dead,  I  shall  never  feel  happy  any  more.  My  mother 
has  cried  four  suns  for  him,  and  tells  me  I  shall  see 
him  no  more,  which  makes  me  cry." 

"  Your  father  shall  come  back,  my  son,  if  you  will 
listen  to  what  I  now  say  to  you." 

"I  will  listen." 

"  Go,  then,  and  ask  Yellow  Belly  to  grant  me  time 
to  send  for  your  father  to  the  country  of  the  white  men, 
and  if  he  be  not  here  by  the  time  tlie  cherries  shall 
have  turned  red,  I  will  then  lay  down  my  head,  and 
you  may  cut  it  off,  and  the  warriors  may  kill  us  all, 
for  w^e  will  not  fight  against  them.  Go  and  tell  the 
chief  that  he  must  grant  what  I  have  told  you  for  your 
sake,  and  if  he  does  not  listen  to  you,  you  will  never 
see  your  father  any  more.      Go ! " 

The  child  accordingly  went  to  Yellow  Belly,  and 
begged  him  to  grant  one  request.  The  chief,  suppos- 
ing that  he  was  about  to  request  permission  to  kill  a 
particular  man  at  the  fort,  said,  "  Certainly,  my  son ; 
any  request  you  make  shall  be  granted.  Speak !  what 
is  it?" 

The  child  then  informed  Yellow  Belly  what  the 

R  2 


;)94 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OP 


Crane  had  said — that  he  would  have  liis  father  back 
by  the  time  the  cherries  turned  red,  or  that  he  would 
suffer  his  head  to  be  cut  off,  and  deliver  up  his  whites 
to  the  Crov,  s,  and  would  not  tight. 

"It  shall  be  so,  my  son,"  Yellow  Belly  assented: 
"  go  and  tell  the  Crane  to  send  for  your  father,  for  not 
a  wan'ior  shall  follow  the  trail  of  the  white  runner,  or 
even  look  upon  it.  If  he  does  as  he  says,  the  whites 
shall  all  live ;  if  he  fails,  they  shall  all  die.  Now  go 
and  harangue  the  people,  and  tell  all  the  warriors  that 
the  Crane  is  going  to  send  for  your  father,  and  the  war- 
rior who  follows  the  runner's  trail  shall  die.  Yellow 
iielly  has  said  it." 

He  moiuited  a  horse,  and  did  as  the  chief  had  di- 
rected. 

Joseph  Pappen  volunteered  to  deliver  the  message  to 
me:  it  was  encountering  a  fearful  hazard.  His  induce- 
ment was  a  bonus  of  one  thousand  dollars. 

The  morning  following  the  receipt  of  this  intelli- 
gence I  saw  jMr.  Chouteau,  who  w^as  in  receipt  of  a  let- 
ter from  ]\Ir.  Tulleck  by  the  same  messenger.  He  was 
in  great  uneasiness  of  minJ.  There  was  over  one  hund- 
red thousand  dollars'  worth  of  goods  in  the  fort,  and  he 
urged  me  to  start  without  delay.  The  distance  from 
8t.  Louis  was  estimated  at  two  thousand  seven  hund- 
red and  fifty  miles,  and  the  safety  of  the  men  rendered 
the  greatest  expedition  necessary.  Any  sum  I  might 
ask  would  be  willingly  paid  me. 

"Go!"  said  he;  "engage  as  many  men  as  you  wish; 
purchase  all  the  horses  you  require:  we  will  pay  the 
bills."  He  also  furnished  me  with  instructions  to  all 
the  agents  on  the  way  to  provide  me  with  whatever  I 
inquired  for.  The  price  1  demanded  for  my  services 
was  five  thousand  dollars,  which  was,  without  scruple, 


I 


JAMES    P.    BECKWOUKTII. 


395 


back 
would 
rvhites 

niteil : 
or  not 
tier,  or 
whites 
lOW  go 
rs  that 
le  war- 
Y'ellow 

[lad  di- 


isage  to 
induce- 


intelli- 
3f  a  let- 
He  was 
e  hund- 
,  and  he 
Lce  from 
n  hund- 
rendered 
I  might 

DU  wish; 

pay  the 

ns  to  all 

latever  I 

services 

scruple, 


allowed  me.  I  hired  two  men  to  accompany  me  (Pap- 
pen  being  one),  to  whom  1  gave  liltcen  hundred  and 
one  thousand  dollars  respectively. 

Our  horses  being  procured,  and  every  necessary 
supplied  us,  away  we  started  upon  our  journey,  which 
occupied  us  fifty-three  days,  as  the  traveling  was  bud. 
Our  last  resting-place  was  i'ort  Clarke.  Thence  we 
struck  directly  across  through  a  hostile  Indian  coun- 
try, arriving  in  safety  within  hailing  distance  of  the 
fort  before  the  cherries  were  ripe,  although  they  were 
very  near  it. 

I  rested  on  a  gentle  rise  of  ground  to  contemplate 
the  mass  of  people  I  saw  before  me.  There  they  lay, 
in  their  absorbing  devotedness  to  their  absent  chief; 
day  and  night,  for  long  months,  they  had  staid  by 
that  wooden  inclosure,  watching  for  my  return,  or  to 
take  fearful  vengeance  upon  their  prey.  Tlicy  had 
loved  the  whites,  but  those  whites  had  now  killed  their 
chief  because  he  had  returned  to  his  own  people  to 
figlit  for  his  kindred  and  nation — the  chief  wlio  had 
loved  them  much,  and  made  them  rich  and  strong. 
They  were  now  feared  by  their  enemies,  and  respected 
by  all ;  their  prairies  were  covered  with  thousands  of 
horses,  and  their  lodges  were  full  of  the  wealth  derived 
from  the  whites.  For  this  the  white  chief  had  killed 
him,  and  a  war  of  extermination  was  denounced  against 
them.  The  fort  and  its  inmates  were  withui  their 
grasp;  if  the  Crane  would  redeem  his  pledge  and  pro- 
duce their  missing  chief,  all  w^ere  well ;  but  if  the  ap- 
pointed time  passed  by,  and  he  were  not  forthcoming, 
it  was  fearful  to  contemplate  the  vengeance  they  would 
inflict. 

When  I  thought  of  those  contemptible  wretches, 
who,  merely  to  wanton  with  the  faith  that  the  artless 


39(5 


AL'TOBIOGKAPPIY    OF 


savages  reposed  in  them,  could  fabricate  a  lie,  and 
arouse  all  this  impending  danger,  I  felt  that  a  death  at 
the  stake  would  not  transcend  their  deserts. 

I  put  my  horse  into  speed,  and  rode  in  among  the 
Indians.  J  made  the  usual  salutation  on  arriving  be- 
fore them,  and,  riding  tlirough  their  ranks  sullenly, 
1  repeated  two  or  three  times,  "  I  am  angry !"  Every 
eye  was  turned  on  me,  but  not  a  warrior  stirred ;  the, 
women  seized  their  children  and  ran  into  lodges.  The 
Medicine  Calf  had  arrived,  but  he  was  angry. 

I  advanced  to  the  strong  and  well-secured  gate  of 
the  fort,  and  struck  it  a  heavy  blow  with  my  battle- 
axe.  " Halloo,  boys ! "  I  shouted ;  "open  your  gate,  and 
admit  a  friend." 

"Jim  Beckwourth!  By  heavens,  Jim  Beckwourth!" 
was  repeated  from  tongue  to  tongue.  The  gates  flew 
open  upon  tlieir  massive  hinges,  and,  as  I  rode  through, 
I  said,  "Leave  the  gates  open, boys;  there  is  no  longer 
danger." 

1  exchanged  but  a  tew  words  with  Mr.  Tulleck,  as 
I  had  a  difficult  business  before  me.  The  people  I 
had  to  mollify  were  subject  to  strange  caprices,  and  I 
had  not  resolved  what  policy  to  adopt  toward  them. 

I  went  and  sat  down  sullenly,  hanging  my  head  so 
low  that  my  chin  rested  upon  my  breast :  this  was  a  to- 
ken of  my  great  displeasure.  The  braves  came  round 
me  slowly.  My  wives  all  formed  then  ^elves  in  a  cir- 
cular line,  and  marched  round  me,  each  one  pausing  as 
she  passed  to  place  her  hand  on  the  back  of  my  neck. 

The  brave  old  Yellow  Belly  was  the  first  one  to 
speak,  and  what  he  said  was  to  the  purpose. 

"  What  is  the  matter  wicli  our  chief?"  he  inquired ; 

who  has  angered  the  Medicine  Calf?" 

"Did  I  not  tell  you,"  I  said,  "that  I  left  you  in 


(( 


iG,  and 
cath  at 

)ng  tho 
ing  bc- 
lUenly, 
Every 
jd;  tho 
i.    The 

gate  of 
■  battle- 
;ate,  and 

iTOurth!" 
ites  flew 
through, 
10  longer 

lUeck,  as 
people  I 
BS,  and  I 
1  them. 
T  head  so 
was  a  to- 
me round 
J  in  a  cir- 
ausing  as 
my  neck, 
st  one  to 

inquired ; 

sft  you  in 


JAMES    r.  BECKWOURTU. 


397 


charge  of  the  Crane  and  these  other  whites  during  my 
absence  V     And  what  do  1  behold  on  my  return?" 

*'  Yes,  I  told  you  1  would  take  care  of  the  Crane 
and  these  other  whites  while  you  were  gone,  and  I  have 
done  so.  My  warriors  have  killed  buffalo  for  them  to 
eat,  and  our  women  have  brought  them  wood  and  wa- 
ter for  their  use,  and  they  are  all  alive.  Look  !  Yon- 
der is  the  Crane ;  and  his  white  people  are  all  with 
him — are  tliey  dead  ?" 

"  No ;  but  you  intended  to  kill  them." 

"  Y'es ;  but  listen :  if  you  had  not  returned  before 
the  cherries  turned  red,  we  sliould  have  killed  them  all, 
and  every  other  white  man  besides  that  we  could  have 
found  in  the  Am-ma-ha-bas  (Rocky  Mountains).  Now 
hear  what  I  have  to  say  : 

"  Suppose  I  am  now  going  to  war,  or  I  am  going  to 
die.  1  come  to  you  and  say,  '  My  friend,  I  am  going 
to  die  yonder ;  I  want  you  to  be  a  kind  friend  to  my 
children,  and  protect  them  after  I  depart  for  the  land 
of*  the  Great  Spirit.'  I  go  out  and  die.  My  wives 
come  to  you  with  their  fingers  cut  off,  their  haii'  gone, 
and  the  warm  blood  pouring  from  their  bodies.  They 
are  crying  mournfully,  and  your  heart  pities  them. 
Among  the  children  is  a  son  in  whom  you  behold  the 
image  of  your  friend  who  is  no  more.  The  mother  of 
that  child  you  know  to  be  good  and  virtuous.  Y^ou 
have  seen  her  triumphant  entry  into  the  medicine  lodge, 
where  you  have  beheld  so  many  cut  to  pieces  in  at- 
tempting the  same.  You  say,  Here  is  the  virtuous 
wife  of  my  friend ;  she  is  beloved  and  respected  by 
the  whole  nation.  She  asks  you  to  revenge  her  loss 
— the  loss  that  has  deprived  her  of  her  husband  and 
the  child  of  its  father.  In  such  a  cise,  what  would  you 
do  ?     Speak !" 


;WH 


ALTOUIOOKAI'IIY    OK 


**  1  hIiouIcI  certainly  take  my  warriors,"  I  replied, 
*'an(l  go  aiul  avengi^  your  loss." 

"Tiiat  in  just  what  1  wan  going  to  do  for  your  rel- 
atives, t'riondH,  and  nation.  Mow  punish  nic  if  1  have 
done  wrong."' 

1  had  nothing  to  .say  in  answer,  and  my  head  again 
fell — the  spell  was  not  yet  broken.  The  Crow  JJelt, 
an  old  and  erafty  l)rave,  whispered  to  a  young  warrior, 
who  rose  in  siK'nee,  and  immediately  left  the  fort. 

JMrs.  TuWeck  shortly  presented  herself,  and  com- 
nieneed  tantalizing  the  (^rows. 

"  What  are  your  warriors  waiting  for,  who  have  been 
thirsting  so  many  suns  to  kill  the  whites  ?  Vou  have 
been  brave  for  a  long  while  ;  where  is  all  your  bravery 
now  V  The  gates  are  set  wide  oi)en,  Jind  only  three 
have  joined  the  few  whites  whom  you  thirsted  to  kill; 
why  don't  you  begin  ?     What  are  you  afraid  of?"' 

Hhe  continued  in  this  aggravating  strain,  the  war- 
riors hearing  it  all,  altliough  they  did  not  a])pear  to  no- 
tice her.  The  woman's  voice  was  agreeably  relieved 
by  tones  uttered  jutside  the  gate,  which  at  that  mo- 
ment fell  upon  my  ear,  and  which  I  readily  recognized 
as  the  voice  of  I'ine  Leaf.  She  was  haranguing  her 
warriors  in  an  animated  manner,  and  delivering  what, 
in  civilized  life,  would  be  called  her  valedictory  ad- 
dress. 

"Warriors!"  she  said,  "I  am  now  about  to  make 
a  great  sacriticc  for  my  people.  For  many  winters  I 
have  been  on  the  war-path  with  you ;  I  shall  tread  that 
path  no  more ;  you  have  now  to  fight  the  enemy  with- 
out me.  When  I  laid  down  my  needle  and  my  beads, 
and  took  up  the  battle-axe  and  the  lance,  my  arm  was 
weak  ;  but  few  winters  had  passed  over  my  head.  My 
brother  had  been  killed  by  the  enemy,  and  was  gone 


11 
if 

hi 


.JAMi:S    1'.    UECKWOLUTII. 


'M\) 


'])licd, 

ur  \v\- 
1  have 

ap;ain 

•  licit, 

arrior, 

3rt. 

com- 

Ivc  been 
3U  have 
jravery 
y  three 
to  kill ; 

ic  war- 
ir  to  no- 
relieved 
hat  mo- 
•offiiiiied 
ung  her 
ig  -Nvhat, 
tory  ad- 

to  make 
vinters  1 
read  that 
my  with- 
iy  beads, 
arm  was 
ad.  My 
fvas  gone 


to  the  hunting-ground  ot'tlie  Orcat  Spirit.  I  Raw  him 
ill  my  drj.'ani.s.  He  would  beckon  for  liis  sinter  to 
conie  to  him.  It  wa.s  my  heart's  desire  to  go  to  him, 
but  I  wished  lir.st  to  become  a  warrior,  that  1  might 
avenge  his  (h-ath  upon  his  iocs  before  I  went  away. 

"  I  said  I  would  kill  one  hundred  foes  before  I  mar- 
ried any  living  man.  1  lur  e  more  than  kept  my  word, 
as  our  great  ciiief  and  medicine  m(;n  can  tell  you.  As 
my  arm  increased  in  strength,  the  enemy  learned  to 
fear  me.  1  have  aecomj)lished  the  task  I  set  before 
me;  henceforward  1  leave  the  war-paths  of  my  people; 
r  hav(^  fought  my  last  battle,  and  hurled  my  last  lance ; 
I  am  a  warrior  no  more. 

'*  To-day  the  Medicine  Calf  has  returned.  He  has 
returned  angry  at  the  follies  of  his  people,  and  they 
lear  that  he  will  again  leave  them,  'i'liey  believe  that 
he  loves  m(%  and  that  my  devotion  to  him  will  attach 
him  to  the  nation.  1  therelbre  bestow  myself  upon 
him  ;  perha])s  he  will  be  contented  with  me,  and  will 
leave  us  no  more.     AVarriors,  farewell  I'' 

She  then  entered  the  fori,  and  said,  "  Sparrowhawks, 
one  who  has  followed  you  for  many  winters  is  about 
to  leave  your  war-path  forever.  When  have  you  seen 
Bar-chee-am-pe  shrink  from  the  charge  ?  You  have  seen 
her  lance  red  with  the  blood  of  the  enemy  more  than 
ten  times  ten.  You  know  what  her  vow  was,  and  you 
know  she  has  kept  her  word.  ]\Iany  of  you  have  tried 
to  make  her  break  her  word,  whicii  you  knew  she  had 
passed  to  the  Great  Spirit  when  she  lost  her  brother. 
But  you  found  that,  though  a  w^oman,  she  had  the 
heart  of  a  warrior. 

"Do  not  turn  your  heads,  but  listen.  You  have 
seen  that  a  woman  can  keep  her  word.  During  the 
many  winters  that  I  have  followed  you  faithfully  in 


400 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


the  war-path,  you  have  refused  to  let  me  into  the  war- 
path secret,  although  you  tell  it  to  striplings  on  their 
second  excursion.  It  was  unfair  that  1  could  not  know- 
it  ;  that  1  must  be  sent  away  with  the  women  and  chil- 
dren, when  the  secret  was  made  known  to  those  one- 
battle  ])raves.  If  you  had  seen  fit  to  tell  it  to  me,  it 
would  have  been  secret  until  my  death.  But  let  it  go ; 
I  care  no  farther  for  it. 

**  I  am  about  to  sacrifice  what  I  have  always  chosen 
to  preserve — my  liberty.  The  back  of  my  steed  has 
been  my  lodge  and  my  home.  On  his  back,  armed 
witli  my  lance  and  battle-axe,  I  knew  no  fear.  The 
medicine  chief,  when  lighting  by  my  side,  has  display- 
ed a  noble  courage  and  a  lofty  spirit,  and  he  won  from 
my  heart,  what  no  other  warrior  has  ever  won,  the 
promise  to  marry  him  when  my  vow  was  fulfilled.  lie 
has  done  much  for  our  people ;  he  has  fought  their  en- 
emies, and  spilled  his  blood  for  them.  When  I  shall 
become  his  wife,  I  shall  be  fond  and  faithful  to  him. 
My  heart  feels  pure  before  the  Great  Spirit  and  the  sun. 
When  I  shall  be  no  more  on  the  war-path,  obey  the 
voice  of  the  IVIedicine  Calf,  and  you  will  grow  strong- 
er and  stronger  •  we  shall  continue  a  great  and  a  hap- 
py people,  and  Le  will  leave  us  no  more.    I  have  done."' 

She  then  approached  me,  every  eye  being  intently 
fixed  upon  her.  She  placed  her  hand  under  my  chin, 
and  lifted  my  head  forcibly  up.  "  Look  at  me,"  she 
said ;  *'  I  know  that  your  heart  is  crying  for  the  fol- 
lies of  the  people.  But  let  it  cry  no  more.  I  know 
you  have  ridden  day  and  night  to  keep  us  from  evil. 
You  have  made  us  strong,  and  your  desire  is  to  pre- 
serve us  strong.  Now  stay  at  home  with  us  ;  you  will 
not  be  obliged  to  go  to  war  more  than  twice  in  twelve 
moons.     And  now,  my  friend,  I  am  yours  after  yon 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOl  RTH. 


401 


the  war- 
1  on  their 
not  know 
[  and  chil- 
hose  one- 

to  me,  it 
;  let  it  go  ; 

lys  chosen 
steed  has 
ick,  armed 
fear.     The 
as  display- 
3  won  from 
r  won,  the 
IfiUed.    He 
;ht  their  en- 
lien  I  shaU 
ful  to  him. 
md  the  sun. 
h,  obey  the 
row  strong- 
:  and  a  hap- 
have  done.'' 
ing  intently 
er  my  chin, 
at  me,"  she 
;  for  the  fol- 
re.     I  know 
Ls  from  evil, 
re  is  to  pre- 
xs ;  you  will 
ce  in  twelve 
rs  after  yon 


have  so  long  been  seeking  me.  I  believe  you  love  me, 
for  you  have  often  told  me  you  did,  and  I  believe  you 
liavc  not  a  forked  tongue.  Our  lotlge  sliall  be  a  hap- 
py one ;  and  when  you  depart  to  the  happy  hunting- 
ground,  I  will  be  already  there  to  welcome  you.  This 
day  I  become  your  wife — Bar-chec-am-pc  is  a  warrior 
no  more." 

Tliis  relieved  me  of  my  melanelioly.  I  shook  the 
braves  by  the  hand  all  round,  and  narrated  much  of 
my  recent  adventures  to  them.  AVhen  I  came  to  my 
danger  in  the  ^V-rick-a-ra  country,  tlicy  were  almost 
boiling  witli  wratli,  and  asked  my  permission  to  go  antl 
exterminate  tliem. 

Pine  J^eaf  left  the  fort  with  my  sisters  to  go  and 
dress  for  the  short  marriage  ceremony.  She  had  so 
long  v>  orn  the  war  costume  that  female  apparel  seem- 
ed hardly  to  become  her ;  she  returned  so  transformed 
in  appearance  that  the  beholder  co'ild  scarcely  recog- 
nize her  for  the  same  person. 

When  I  visited  her  lodge  in  the  evening  I  found  her 
dressed  like  a  queen,  with  a  lodge  full  of  her  own  and 
my  relatives  to  witness  the  nuptials.  Siie  was  natural- 
ly a  pensive,  deep-thinking  girl ;  her  mind  seemed  ab- 
sorbed in  some  other  object  than  worldly  matters.  It 
might  be  that  her  continual  remembrance  of  her  brc  til- 
er's early  fall  had  tinged  her  mind  with  melancholy, 
or  it  might  be  constitutional  to  her ;  but  for  an  Indian 
girl  she  had  more  of  that  winning  grace,  more  of  those 
feminine  blandishments — in  short,  she  approached  near- 
er to  our  ideal  of  a  woman  than  her  savage  birth  and 
breed  would  seem  to  render  possible. 

This  was  my  last  marriage  in  the  Crow  nation.  Pine 
Leaf,  the  pride  and  admiration  of  her  people,  was  no 
longer  the  dauntless  and  victorious  warrior,  the  aveng- 


402 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OF 


cr  of  tho  fall  of  her  brother.  She  retired  from  the  field 
of  lier  glorj,  mid  became  the  aftcctionate  wife  of  tlic 
Medicine  Calf. 

The  difliciilty  being  now  entirely  removed,  we  quit- 
ted our  encanipnicnt,  and  went  on  a  hunting  excursion. 
We  were  away  but  a  few  days,  and  then  returned  to 
the  fort.  One  morning  ;t  was  discovered  a  large  drove 
of  horses  was  missing.  A  party  was  dispatched  along 
the  trail,  which  conducted  them  precisely  the  same  route 
they  took  before.  I  raised  a  party,  and  again  struck 
across  the  ]\Iussel  Shell,  and,  finding  I  was  before  the 
fugitives,  1  secreted  my  warriors  as  before.  We  had 
waited  but  a  few  moments,  when  I  saw  the  enemy 
emerge  from  the  pines,  not  more  than  a  mile  distant. 
Pine  Leaf  and  my  little  wife  were  with  me.  My  new 
bride,  as  she  saw  the  enemy  approacli,  lost  all  recollec- 
tion of  her  new  character ;  licr  eye  assumed  its  former 
martial  fire,  and,  liad  she  had  her  former  war  equip- 
ments, beyond  all  doubt  she  would  have  joined  in  the 
dash  upon  the  foe. 

The  pursued,  which  was  a  party  of  Black  Feet,  were 
hard  pressed  by  their  pursuers  in  the  rear,  but  very 
shortly  they  were  harder  pushed  in  the  van.  When 
within  proper  distance,  I  gave  the  word  Hoo-ki-hi 
(charge),  and  every  Black  Foot  instantly  perished.  So 
sudden  was  our  attack,  they  had  not  time  to  fire  a  gun. 
I  struck  down  one  man,  and,  looking  round  for  another 
to  ride  at,  I  found  they  were  all  dead.  The  pursuers 
did  not  arrive  in  time  to  participate  in  the  fight.  We 
took  thirty-eight  scalps,  and  recovered  one  thousand 
horses,  with  which  we  returned  to  the  fort.  This  was 
my  last  battle  in  the  Crow  nation;  the  scalp  I  relieved 
the  Black  Foot  of  was  the  last  I  ever  took  for  them. 

Before  my  sudden  recall  from  St.  Louis  I  had  enter- 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


40ii 


the  field 
:e  of  the 

we  quit- 
:cursion. 
limed  to 
ge  drove 
ed  along 
ine  route 
n  struck 
efore  the 
We  had 
e  enemy 
1  distant. 
]My  new  > 
.  recollec- 
ts former 
ar  equip- 
led  in  the 

^^eet,  were 
but  very 
u     When 
Hoo-ki-hi 
shed.    So 
tire  a  gun. 
or  another 
3  pursuers 
ght.     We 
thousand 
This  was 
►  1  relieved 
for  them, 
had  enter- 


ed into  negotiations  which  I  now  felt  I  would  like  to 
complete.  I  had  informed  the  Crows,  after  my  mar- 
riage with  Pine  Leaf,  that  1  must  return  to  the  coun- 
try of  the  vyhites,  as  they  liad  called  me  away  htfore  I 
liad  had  t  me  to  finisli  my  business.  Wlien  tlk  boats 
were  ready  to  go  down  stream  1  stepped  on  board,  and 
proceeded  as  far  as  Fort  Union.  J*revious  to  depn.rt- 
ing,  I  informed  the  Crows  tiiat  I  sliould  be  back  in  four 
seasons,  as  I  at  that  time  supposed  I  should.  T  told 
them  to  credit  no  reports  of  my  death,  for  they  were 
all  false;  the  white?  vould  never  kill  me.  Pine  Leaf 
inquired  if  I  would  certainly  come  back.  I  assured  her 
that,  if  life  was  preserved  to  me,  I  would  I  nad  been 
married  but  five  weeks  when  1  left,  and  I  have  never 
seen  her  since. 

I  was  disappointed  in  my  expectation  of  entering  into 
a  satisfactory  engagement  to  the  agent  of  the  company, 
so  I  kept  OP  to  St.  Louis.  In  good  trutli,  I  was  tired 
of  savage  life  under  any  aspect.  I  knew  that,  if  I  re- 
mained with  them,  it  would  be  war  and  carnage  to  the 
end  of  the  chapter,  and  my  mind  sickened  at  the  rep- 
etition of  such  scenes.  Savage  life  admits  of  no  re- 
pose to  the  man  who  desires  to  retain  the  character  of 
a  great  brave;  there  is  no  retiring  upon  your  laurels. 
I  "OiiJd  have  become  a  pipe-man,  but  I  did  not  like  to 
descend  to  that ;  and,  farther,  I  could  not  reconcile  my- 
self to  a  life  of  inactivity.  Pine  Leaf  and  my  little  wife 
would  have  excited  their  powers  of  pleasing  to  procure 
me  happiness ;  but  I  felt  I  was  not  doing  justice  to  my- 
self to  relapse  irretrievably  into  barbarism. 

It  certainly  grieved  me  to  leave  a  people  who  reposed 
so  much  trust  in  me,  and  with  whom  I  had  been  asso- 
ciated so  long ;  and,  indeed,  could  I  have  made  an  en- 
gagement with  the  American  Fur  Company,  as  I  had 


404 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OP 


Iioped  to  do,  I  Rhould  have  redeemed  my  promise  to 
the  Crows,  and  possibly  Iiave  iinislied  my  days  with 
them.  But,  being  miatalcen  in  my  calculations,  I  was 
led  on  to  scenes  wilder  and  still  more  various,  yet  dig- 
nified with  the  name  of  greater  utility,  because  asso- 
ciated with  the  interests  of  civilization. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Return  to  St.  Louis. — Interview  with  General  Gaines. — The  Mule- 
teers' Company — Departure  for  Florida. — Vreck  of  the  "Maid  of 
New  York.'' — Arrival  at  Fort  Brooke. — Tampa  Bay. — Bearer  of  Dis- 
patches to  General  Jessup. — Battle  of  0-kc-cho-be. — Anecdotes  and 
Incidents. 

I  HAD  speedy  passage  to  St.  Louis,  and  arrived  there 
after  an  absence  of  live  months.  I  mentioned  that  I 
had  left  some  business  unsettled  at  the  time  of  my  sud- 
den leave.  This  was  none  other  than  an  affair  matri- 
monial ;  but  on  my  return  I  had  some  misunderstand- 
ing with  my  fair  dulcinea,  and  the  courtship  dropped 
through. 

At  this  time  the  Florida  war  was  unfinished.  Gen- 
eral Gaines  was  in  St.  Louis  for  the  purpose  of  rais- 
ing a  company  of  mei.i  familiar  with  Indian  habits. 
Mr.  Sublet  had  spoken  to  him  about  me,  and  had  rec- 
ommended me  as  being  particularly  well  acquainted 
with  Indian  life.  The  general  sent  a  request  that  I 
would  call  upon  him  at  his  quarters.  I  went  accord- 
ingly, and  was  introduced  by  Sublet. 

The  general  inquired  of  me  how  I  would  like  to  go  to 
Florida  to  fight  the  Indians.  I  replied  that  I  had  seen 
so  much  of  Indian  warfare  during  the  last  sixteen 
years  that  I  was  about  tired  of  it,  and  did  not  want  to 
engage  in  it  again,  at  least  for  the  present.     He  re- 


JAMEH   P.   BECKWOURTII. 


405 


3mise  to 
Livs  willi 
lis,  I  was 
,  yet  dig- 
iise  asso- 


-The  Mule- 
c  "  Maid  of 
earcr  of  Dis- 
iccdotes  and 

ived  there 
icd  that  I 
f  my  sud- 
air  matri- 
iderstand- 
p  dropped 

ed.  Gen- 
ge  of  rais- 
an  habits, 
d  had  rec- 
acquainted 
lest  that  I 
iut  accord- 

ke  to  go  to 
I  had  seen 
ist  sixteen 
lot  want  to 
t.     He  re- 


marked that  there  was  a  good  opportunity  there  for 
renown.  He  wished,  he  said,  to  raise  a  company  which 
would  go  down  as  muleteers ;  that  their  duties  woukl 
be  light,  and  so  on  through  the  stereotyped  benefits  pe- 
culiar to  a  soldier's  life. 

Sublet  recommended  me  to  engage.  Florida,  he 
said,  was  a  delightful  country,  and  1  should  find  a  wide 
difference  between  the  cold  region  of  the  Rocky  Mount- 
ains and  the  genial  and  salubrious  South. 

The  general  then  inquired  if  I  could  not  raise  a  com- 
pany of  mountain-boys  to  go  with  me.  I  replied  that 
I  thought  I  could,  or  that,  at  any  rate,  I  would  make 
the  effort. 

The  trapping  busmess  was  unusually  dull  at  that 
time,  and  there  were  plenty  of  unoccupied  men  in  the 
city  ready  to  engage  in  any  enterprise.  I  went  among 
my  acquaintance,  and  soon  collected  a  company  of  six- 
ty-four men.  1.  went  and  reported  my  success  to  the 
general.  He  wished  to  see  the  men.  I  brought  them 
all  forward,  and  had  their  names  enrolled.  I  was  ap- 
pointed captain  of  the  company,  with  three  lieutenants 
elected  from  the  men. 

On  the  ninth  day  of  my  stay  in  St.  Louis,  we  went 
on  board  a  steamer  going  down  stream,  and  were  quick- 
ly on  our  way  to  the  Seminole  country.  We  had  a 
delightful  journey  to  New  Orleans,  where  we  were  de- 
tained five  days  in  waiting  for  a  vessel  to  transport  us 
to  the  fields  of  "  renown."  While  waiting  in  New 
Orleans  I  fell  in  witli  several  old  acquaintances,  who 
gave  me  an  elegant  parting  dinner.  I  then  sported  the 
commission  of  captain  in  the  service  of  Uncle  Sam. 

Our  vessel,  the  Maid  of  New  York,  Captain  Can-, 
being  at  length  ready  for  sea,  my  soldiers,  with  their 
horses,  were  taken  on  board,  and  we  set  sail  for  Tam- 


406 


ArTUH10(JKAIMIY    UF 


pa  l^ay.  I  now,  for  tlic  first  time  in  my  life,  saw  salt 
water,  and  the  sickncsH  it  produced  in  nic  led  me  to 
curse  General  Gaines,  and  the  trappings  of  war  to  boot. 
Our  vessel  stranded  on  a  reef,  and  tlierc  she  remained 
snug  enough,  all  efforts  to  dislodge  her  proving  fruit- 
less. There  was  one  small  island  in  siglit  to  leeward; 
in  every  other  direction  there  was  nothing  visible  but 
the  Iieaving  ocean.  Wreckers,  who  seemed  to  rise  from 
the  sea-foam,  flocked  instantly  around  us,  and  were  re- 
ceived by  our  captain  with  a  ready  volley  of  nautical 
compliment.  The  vessel  had  settled  deeply  into  a  bed 
of  sand  and  rock;  the  water  was  rapidly  gaining  in 
her  hold,  and  my  commission,  together  witli  my  gal- 
lant companions  in  arms,  seemed,  at  that  moment,  to 
have  a  slim  chance  of  ever  serving  our  respected  uncle 
in  the  '*  fields  of  renown."  I  ascended  the  rigging  to 
take  a  survey  of  the  country.  Many  a  time  an  eleva- 
ted prospect  had  delivered  me  from  difficulties,  if  dis- 
similar, yet  not  less  imminent,  than  those  that  now 
menaced  me.  Still  I  felt  that,  could  those  ratlines  I 
was  now  ascending  be  transformed  into  the  back  of 
my  Indian  war-steed,  this  ocean  be  replaced  with  a 
prairie,  and  that  distant  speck  which  they  called  an 
island  be  transmuted  mto  a  buffalo,  I  would  give  my 
chance  of  a  major-generalship  in  purchase  of  the  change ; 
for  the  sensations  of  hunger  I  began  to  feel  were  un- 
comfortably acute,  and  I  saw  no  immediate  prospect 
of  alleviating  the  pain.  Suddenly  I  saw  a  long  line 
of  black  smoke,  which  I  thought  must  be  from  a  prai- 
rie fire.  I  reported  my  discovery  to  the  captain,  and 
he  hoisted  our  colors  at  half-mast,  to  signal  for  assist- 
ance. A  small  steamer  came  in  sight,  and  made  to- 
ward us,  and  finally  ranged  up  under  our  stem.  She 
took  off  all  my  men  except  myself  and  twelve  others. 


JAMES    P.  Bi:CKWOURTII. 


407 


?aw  salt 
I  mc  to 
to  boot, 
cmained 
fig  truit- 
eeward ; 
able  but 
rise  from 
were  rc- 

nautical 
ito  a  bed 
lining  in 

my  gal- 
)ment,  to 
ted  uncle 
•igging  to 
an  eleva- 
es,  if  dis- 
that  now 
ratlines  I 
5  back  of 
3d  with  a 

called  an 
\  give  my 
le  change; 
L  were  un- 
e  prospect 
I  long  line 
•om  a  prai- 
iptain,  and 

for  assist- 
\  made  to- 
tem. She 
jlve  others. 


I  wrote  to  the  commandant  at  Tampa  Bay  to  inform 
him  of  our  situation,  and  asking  liitn  for  immediate  as- 
sistance. After  twelve  days'  stay  on  the  reef,  two 
small  brigs  came  out  to  us,  and  received  on  board  our- 
selves, with  our  liorscs  and  forage,  conveying  us  to 
Tampa  Bay,  where  tliey  cast  anchor.  Major  Bryant 
sent  for  me  to  his  quarters,  and  I  forthwith  presented 
myself  before  him. 

This  officer  gave  me  a  very  cordial  welcome,  congrat- 
ulating the  service  on  having  an  experienced  mount- 
aineer, and  saying  several  other  very  complimentary 
things.  At  length  he  said,  "  Captain  Beckwourth,  I 
wish  to  open  a  communication  between  this  port  and 
the  head-quarters  of  Colonel  Jessup,  distant  about  one 
Imndred  miles.  I  have  received  no  dispatches  from 
there,  although  nine  couriers  have  been  dispatched  by 
Colonel  Taylor." 

I  replied,  "  Sir,  I  have  no  knowledge  of  the  coun- 
try ;  I  know  nothing  of  its  roads  or  trails,  the  situa- 
tion of  its  posts,  nor  do  I  so  much  as  know  the  posi- 
tion of  Colonel  Jessup's  command.  To  attempt  to 
convey  dispatches  while  so  little  prepared  to  keep  out 
of  harm's  way,  I  very  much  fear,  would  be  to  again 
disappoint  the  service  in  the  delivery  of  its  messages, 
and  to  afford  the  Seminoles  an  additional  scalp  to  those 
they  have  already  taken." 

He  pooh-poohed  my  objections.  "  A  man,"  said  Ma- 
jor Bryant,  "  who  has  fought  the  Indians  in  the  Rocky 
Mountains  the  number  of  years  that  you  have,  will  find 
no  difficulty  here  in  Florida." 

*'  Well,"  I  assented,  *'  furnish  me  with  the  bearings 
of  the  country,  and  direct  me  to  the  colonel's  camp, 
and  I  will  do  my  best  to  reach  there." 

Accordingly,  the  major  furnished  me  with  all  the 


408 


AUTUBIOGKAPHY   OF 


necessary  instructions,  and  I  started  alone  on  my  er- 
rand. 

It  was  my  acquired  habit  never  to  travel  along  any 
beaten  putli  or  open  trail,  but  rather  to  give  suoti  road 
a  wide  berth,  and  take  the  chances  of  the  open  coun- 
try. I  observed  my  invariable  custom  on  this  occa- 
sion, merely  keeping  in  view  the  bearings  of  the  posi- 
tion I  was  steering  for.  I  started  from  Major  Ijry- 
ant's  post  about  sunrise,  and  reached  the  colonel's 
head-qu«.ters  at  nightfall  the  following  day.  I  pass- 
ed through  the  camp  without  seeing  it ;  but  the  sound 
of  a  bugle  falling  on  my  ear,  I  tacked  about,  and  final- 
ly alighted  upon  it. 

As  I  rode  up  I  was  hailed  by  a  sentinel, 

"  Who  come  dere  ?" 

"An  express." 

"  Vat  you  vant  in  dish  camp  ?" 

"  I  wish  to  see  Colonel  Jessup.  Call  the  officer  of 
the  guard." 

"Vat  for  you  come  from  dat  way  vere  ish  de  Schimy- 
noles  ?" 

"  Call  your  officer  of  the  guard,"  said  I,  impatiently. 

The  officer  of  the  guard  at  length  appeared. 

"  What  are  you  here  again  for  ?"  he  inquired  of  me. 

"I  wish  to  see  the  commanding  officer," I  replied. 

"  Yes,  you  are  always  wishing  to  see  the  command- 
ing officer,"  he  said ;  "  but  he  will  not  be  troubled 
with  you  much  longer ;  he  will  soon  commence  hang- 
ing you  all." 

"  I  demand  to  be  shown  to  the  commanding  officer, 
sir,"  I  reiterated. 

*'  Who  are  you,  then  ?" 

"  I  am  a  bearer  of  dispatches." 

"  Give  them  to  me." 


.i.\.Mj;s  1'.  iiKCKwni  irni. 


4oy 


my  er- 

Dng  any 
loti  road 
!n  coun- 
lis  occa- 
:he  posi- 
jor  Ury- 
colonel's 
I  pass- 
lie  sound 
ind  final- 


officer  of 

B  Scliimy- 

ipatiently. 

d. 

red  of  me. 

I  replied. 

command- 

B  troubled 

ence  hang- 

[ing  officer, 


"  1  was  not  instructed  to  give  tlicm  to  you.  I  sliall 
not  do  it,  sir."' 

"  I  Lelicvc  you  came  from  the  Scminolcs  ;  you  came 
from  tliat  direction." 
^  *'  You  believe  wrong,  sir.     Will  you  sliow  mc  to 
Colonel  Jessup,  or  will  you  not  ?" 

This  very  cautious  officer  of  the  guard  then  went  to 
tlie  marquee  of  the  colonel,  and  addressed  him :  "  Here 
is  another  of  those  Heminoles,  sir,  who  says  he  has  dis- 
patches for  you.     What  shall  I  do  with  him  V" 

The  colonel  came  out,  and  eyed  me  scrutinizinn-ly. 

"  Have  you  brought  disi)atches  for  me  ?*'  he  inquh-ed. 

"I  have,  sir.*' 

"  J^'rom  where  ?" 

"From  Tampa  Bay,  sir." 

*'IIe  came  from  the  Seniinoles,  colonel,"  intei-posed 
the  officer  of  the  guard. 

"  You  are  mistaken  again,  sir,"  I  said,  giving  him 
the  look  of  a  Crow  in  the  midst  of  a  battle  ;  for  I  was 
not  yet  hireling  enough  not  to  feel  aggravated  at  being 
called  by  implication  a  liar. 

"Let  me  see  your  dispatches,"  said  the  colonel. 

I  handed  him  the  documents ;  he  took  them,  and 
passed  into  his  tent. 

This  did  not  suit  me.  I  resolved  to  return  instant- 
ly. I  had  not  been  treated  with  common  civility ;  no 
inquiries  had  been  made  about  my  appetite ;  I  was 
not  even  invited  d  alight  from  my  horse.  I  had  nei- 
tlier  eaten  nor  slept  since  I  left  Tampa  Bay.  I  was 
on  the  point  of  turning  my  horse's  head,  secretly  re- 
solving that  these  were  the  last  dispatches  I  would 
bear  in  that  direction,  when  the  colonel  called, 

"Captain  Beckwourth,  alight !  alight,  sir,  and  como 
into  my  quarters.    Orderly,  have  Captain  Beckwourth's 


no 


AITomonRAPIIV    OF 


liorsc  taken  imnicdiatc  care  of.      You  must  be  hungry, 
captain." 

"  Wliat  I  need  most  now  is  sleep,"  I  said;  "  let  mo 
have  a  little  repose,  and  then  I  shall  feel  refreshed,  and 
will  not  refuse  to  sit  down  to  a  meal." 

The  colonel  bowed  assent,  and,  raising  a  canvas 
door,  pointed  out  to  me  a  place  for  repose,  at  the  same 
time  promising  me  I  should  not  be  disturbed.  Wlien 
I  awoke,  I  presented  myself,  and  was  regaled  with  a 
good  substantial  supper.  This  rccniited  me,  and  I  was 
again  fit  for  service. 

The  colonel  made  many  inquiries  of  my  past  serv- 
ice. IMajor  Bryant  had  made  very  favorable  mention 
of  mc  in  his  dispatches,  which  seemed  to  have  inspired 
quite  an  interest  in  the  colonel's  mind.  lie  asked  mc 
if  I  was  a  native  of  Florida,  where  1  had  spent  my  ear- 
ly days,  and  my  reason  for  entering  the  army.  I  an- 
swered all  his  questions  as  briefly  as  possible,  men- 
tioning that  I  had  been  tempted  among  the  Seminoles 
by  the  })romise  held  out  by  General  (Jaines  of  my  gain- 
ing "  renown."  The  colonel  thouglit  my  company  of 
mountaineers  a  valuable  acquisition  to  the  service,  and 
he  made  no  doubt  we  should  achieve  great  credit  in 
ferreting  out  the  hiding-places  of  the  Indians. 

He  soon  had  his  papers  ready ;  they  were  delivered 
to  me,  and  I  departed.  On  the  way  I  stopped  at  a 
fort,  the  name  of  which  I  forget,  and  took  a  fresh  horse. 
J.  finally  arrived  at  the  Bay  without  seeing  an  Indian. 

I  staid  v/itli  my  company  for  two  or  three  weeks 
at  Fori  Brooke,  during  which  time  we  were  engaged  in 
l)reaking-in  mules.  We  were  then  placed  under  the 
command  of  Colonel  Taylor,  afterward  General,  and 
President  of  the  United  States,  whose  force  was  com- 
posed of  United  States  troops  and  volunteers,  some  of 


.JAMKS    1'.   niX'KWOUUTH. 


411 


lungry, 

'  let  mc 
icd,  and 

canvas 

he  sanu' 

When 

I  with  a 

nd  I  was 

ast  serv- 
nicntion 
;  inspired 
asked  me 
t  my  car- 
y.     I  an- 
ble,  men- 
■^eminoles 
f  my  gain- 
mpany  of 
jrviee,  and 
t  credit  ii> 

IS. 

3  delivered 
opped  at  a 
■resh  horse. 

an  Indian, 
[n-ee  weeks 

engaged  in 
i  under  the 
General,  and 
;e  was  com- 
3rs,  some  oi 


the  latter  being  from  ]\lissouri.  'I'lic  col:nol  advance:! 
southward  with  sixteen  hundred  men,  erecting,  as  v/r 
advanced,  a  fort  at  the  interval  of  every  twenty-fi^e 
miles. 

On  the  morning  of  Christmas-day  (1 8)^7)  our  camp 
was  beleaguered  by  a  large  force  of  Indians,  and  Col- 
onel Taylor  ordered  an  advance  upon  them.  The  spot 
was  thickly  grown  with  trees,  and  numbers  of  our  as- 
sailants were  concealed  among  the  branches  ;  as  our 
line  advanced,  therefore,  many  were  singled  out  by  the 
enemy,  and  we  lost  fearfully  in  killed  and  wounded. 
The  yelling  was  the  most  deafening  J  ever  heard,  for 
there  were  many  negroes  among  the  enemy,  and  their 
yells  drowned  those  of  the  Red  JMen.  I  soon  found 
we  had  a  diHerent  enemy  from  the  Black  Feet  to  fight, 
and  different  ground  to  iight  on.  The  country  lost 
several  valuable  lives  through  this  slight  brush  with 
the  Indians.  The  gallant  Colonel  (ientry,  of  the  ]\lis- 
souri  volunteers,  was  shot  through  the  head  ;  Col- 
onel Thompson,  and  several  other  officers,  were  also 
among  the  slain.  The  enemy  had  made  an  excellent 
choice  of  gi'ound,  and  coidd  see  our  troops  while  re- 
maining concealed  themselves. 

I  placed  myself  behind  a  tree,  and  Captain  Morgan, 
of  the  Missouri  Spies,  was  similarly  sheltered  close  by. 
We  were  surrounded  with  Indians,  and  one  was  watch- 
ing, on  the  opposite  side  of  the  tree  that  protected  me, 
for  a  chance  to  get  my  scalp.  A  Missourian  picked  off 
a  fine  fat  negro  wlio  had  ensconced  himself  in  a  live- 
oak  tree.  As  he  fell  to  the  ground  it  shook  beneath 
him  :  the  fruit  was  ripe,  but  unfit  for  food. 

Seeing  the  men  dropping  around,  Major  Price  ordered 
a  retreat.  The  order  was  instantly  countermanded  by 
Colonel  Davenport,  who,  by  so  doing,  saved  many  lives. 


Ill' 


Al  TOlilOOHAIMIV    nl 


Colonel  Foster  luul  taken  a  very  expoHod  pOHition 
on  tiie  Lon;:;li  of  u  tree,  where  he  was  visible  to  all.  I  ic. 
(•rdered  hi.s  men  to  lie  low  and  load  their  muskets;  he 
waited  till  ho  saw  a  favorable  o})i)ortiinity,  and  then 
shouted,  "  b'irc,  boys,  and  pour  it  into  the  red  and 
black  rascals  I" 

A  charge  with  bayonets  was  finally  ordered,  and  th(^ 
Indians,  not  relishing  the  look  of  the  sharp  steel,  retreat- 
ed; however,  not  before  they  had  seized  a  sergeant-major 
and  a  private  from  our  line,  and  scalped  them  alive. 

This  was  the  battle  of  ( )-ke-cho-be,  which  lasted  four 
hours.  We  lost  over  a  hundred  in  killed  and  wourul- 
cd  ;  the  enemy  left  nine  Indians  and  a  negro  dead  upon 
the  tield.  Sam  ijones,  the  half-breed,  was  only  eight 
miles  distant,  with  a  force  of  a  thousand  warriors;  most 
providentially  he  had  been  dissuaded  by  the  negroes 
from  advancing,  who  assured  him  that  the  whites  would 
not  light  on  Christmas-day. 

It  was  reported  that  Colonel  Taylor  was  uncontrol- 
lably angry  during  the  battle,  and  that  his  aids  and 
other  officers  had  to  hold  him  by  main  force  to  prevent 
him  from  rushing  among  the  enemy,  and  meeting  cer- 
tain death.  J.  do  not  know  what  truth  there  was  in 
this,  for  I  saw  nothing  of  it,  nor,  indeed,  did  I  see  the 
colonel  dm-ing  the  whole  of  the  four  hours'  fighting. 

(^n  the  conclusion  of  the  action  Colonel  Taylor  wish- 
ed to  send  dispatches  to  Tampa  Bay.  lie  request- 
ed Captain  Lomax  to  take  his  company  and  go  with 
them.  The  captain  refused,  for  the  reason  that  he  and 
his  men  would  infallibly  be  massacred.  The  colonel 
remarked  then,  "  Smce  you  are  all  afraid,  I  will  go 
myself."  He  sent  for  me,  and  demanded  if  I  could 
raise  a  sufficient  numl)cr  of  brave  men  among  my 
mountaineers  to  carry  dispatches  to  the  Bay. 


.JAMKS    1*.    l»i:(  KWUl  Kill. 


41li 


)OSltlOU 

ill.  lie- 
:cts;  he 
lid  then 
reel  and 

and  the 
,  rctrcut- 
nt-major 

alive, 
sted  four 
I  wouiul- 
cad  upon 
nly  eight 
ors ;  most 
3  negroes 
tes  would 

incontrol- 
aids  and 
to  prevent 
acting  ccr- 
src  was  in 
I  see  the 
ighting. 
dor  wish- 
e  request- 
id  go  with 
lat  he  and 
he  colonel 
,  I  will  go 
if  I  could 
among  my 


1 


■}' 


1  answered,  certainly,  it*  I  could  have  his  favorite 
liorsc,  which  was  the  llcctest  one  in  the  wiiole  army, 
and  sucii  cxceHcnt  bottom  that  he  was  as  fresh  after  a 
journey  as  before.  1  considered  tiiat,  if  1  had  to  run 
the  gauntlet  through  a  host  of  fteminoles  and  infuri- 
ated negroes,  the  best  horse  was  none  too  good,  and 
was,  indeed,  my  only  means  of  salvation. 

When  ready  to  start,  t  a})plied  for  the  dispatches. 

"  Where  arc  your  men  V"  asked  the  colonel. 

**My  men  arc  in  their  quarters,  colonel,"  I  said. 
**  I  am  going  to  carry  those  dispatches  by  myself." 

"They  must  go  through,"  he  remarked,  *'and  1 
want  them  to  go  well  guarded." 

*'  1  am  not  going  to  tight,  colonel,"  I  replied,  "  1  am 
going  to  run ;  and  one  man  will  make  less  noise  than 
twenty.  If  I  am  not  killed  the  dispatches  shall  arrive 
safe ;  my  life  is  certainly  worth  as  much  to  mc  as  tlie 
charge  I  am  intrusted  with,  and  for  personal  safety  i 
prefer  going  alone." 

In  our  progress  out  the  troops  had  cut  their  way 
through  several  huiamoel's^  and  had  thrown  the  bush- 
es up  on  both  sides.  1  had  to  pass  through  some  of 
these  lanes.  It  was  night  when  I  started,  and  as  1 
was  riding  through  one  of  these  excavations  at  a  good 
pace,  I  heard  a  sudden  noise  in  the  brush.  I  saw  my- 
self in  a  trap,  and  my  hair  bristled  up  with  atlright.  1 
was  greatly  relieved,  however,  by  the  speedy  discovery 
ti\at  it  was  only  a  deer  I  had  scared,  and  which  was 
scampering  away  at  its  utmost  speed.  I  continued  on, 
resting  a  short  time  at  each  fort,  until  I  arrived  in  sight 
of  Fort  Brooke.  As  soon  as  I  arrived  within  hailing 
distance,  I  shouted  "Victory I  victory!"  whicii  brought 
out  officers  and  men,  impatient  to  hear  the  news.  T 
could  not  see  that  O-ke-cho-be  was  much  of  a  victory  ; 


414 


AUTUBIOGKAPHY   OF 


indeed,  I  shrewdly  suspected  that  the  enemy  l::.d  the 
advantage  ;  but  it  was  called  a  victory  by  the  soldiers, 
and  they  were  the  best  qualified  to  decide. 

On  my  return,  I  found  Colonel  Taylor,  soon  after 
rhe  battle,  had  retrograded  to  Fort  Bassinger.  We 
lay  at  that  fort  a  long  while  ;  spies  were  vigilantly  on 
tlie  look-out,  but  nothing  very  encouraging  was  report- 
ed. 1  and  my  company  of  mountaineers  did  not  en- 
camp with  the  other  troops,  but  took  up  our  quarters 
at  a  considerable  distance  from  the  main  guard.  We 
were  quite  tired  of  inactivity,  and  wanted  to  go  some- 
where or  do  something.  Being  quartered  by  ourselves, 
we  were  not  subjected  to  the  restrictions  and  military 
regulations  of  the  camp  ;  we  had  our  own  jollifications, 
and  indulged  in  some  little  comforts  which  the  camp 
did  not  enjoy.  We  always  would  have  a  large  fire 
when  there  was  need  for  it,  for  it  destroyed  the  mill- 
Ions  of  musquitoes  and  other  vermin  that  annoyed  us  ; 
and,  as  some  of  our  company  were  always  about,  the 
•  ndians  never  molested  us. 

iherc  was  a  large  hunnnock  about  four  miles  dis- 
tant from  thq  fort  which  the  Indians  infested  in  great 
numbers,  but,  as  they  could  not  be  dislodged  without 
gi'eat  loss,  our  colonel  was  conp-trained  to  content  him- 
self with  closely  watching  them.  One  day  I  proposed 
to  my  men  to  take  a  stroll,  and  they  fell  with  great  alac- 
rity into  the  proposition.  We  passed  down  to  the  in- 
terdicted hummock,  where  we  shot  two  deer,  and  found 
quite  an  assortment  of  stock.  We  drove  them  all  to 
the  camp  before  us,  to  the  great  admiration  of  the  offi- 
cers and  men  present.  We  had  captured  quite  a  drove 
of  hogs,  several  head  of  cattle,  and  a  good  sprinkling 
of  Seminole  ponies.  We  saw  no  Indians  at  the  hum- 
mock, though  certainly  we  did  not  search  very  dili- 
i'OTitlv  for  tliom. 


JAMES    r.  JJEL'KWOLKTII. 


41.5 


\:\i\  the 
oldiers, 

m  after 
f.     We 
intly  on 
5  report- 
not  en- 
quarters 
d.     We 
"•o  some- 
irselves, 
military 
ications, 
he  camp 
arge  fire 
the  niill- 
oyed  us ; 
bout,  the 

niles  dis- 

I  in  great 

II  without 
itent  him- 
[  proposed 
vreat  alac- 
to  the  in- 
and  found 
hem  all  to 
of  the  offi- 
ite  a  drove 
sprinkling 
t  the  hum- 
very  dili- 


During  our  stay  at  tiie  fort,  the  communication  be- 
tween that  post  and  Charlotte's  Harbor  was  closed, 
and  one  messenger  had  been  killed.      The  quarter- 
master inquired  of  me  if  I  would  undertake  the  trip. 
I  told  him  I  would ;  and  set  one  hundred  dollars  as 
the  price  of  the  undertaking,  which  he  thought  quite 
reasonable.     I  started  with  the  dispatches,  and  pro- 
ceeded at  an  easy  gallop,  my  eye  glancing  in  every  di- 
rection, as  had  been  my  wont  for  many  years.     In  cast- 
ing a  look  about  two  gun-shots  ahead,  1  felt  sure  that 
[  saw  some  feathers  showing  themselves  just  above 
the  palmettos,  and  exactly  in  the  direction  that  1  was 
bending  my  steps.     I  rode  a  short  distance  farther, 
and  my  suspicion  was  confirmed.     I  immediately  stop- 
ped my  horse  and  dismounted,  as  though  for  the  pur- 
pose of  adjusting  my  saddle,  but  in  reality  to  watch 
my  supposed  toes.     In  a  miimte  or  two  several  heads 
appeared,  looking  in  my  direction,  and  withdrew  again 
in  an  instant.     Immediately  the  heads  declined  behind 
tlie  grass,  I  sprang  upon  my  horse,  and  reined  him 
out  of  the  road,  taking  a  wide  circuit  round  them,  which 
I  knew  would  carry  me  out  of  danger.     I  then  looked 
after  them,  and  tantalized  them  with  my  gestures  in 
every  manner  possible,  motioning  them  to  come  and 
see  me ;  but  they  seemed  to  be  aware  that  their  legs 
were  not  long  enough  to  reach  me,  so  tliey  digested 
their  disappointment,  and  troubled  me  no  farther.     I 
arrived  safe  at  the  Harbor  that  same  day,  delivered  my 
dispatches,  and  was  back  at   the  fort  the  followino- 
night. 

We  now  experienced  a  heavy  rain,  which  deluged 
the  entire  country,  and  prevented  any  farther  opera- 
tions against  the  Indians.  The  colonel  ordered  a  re- 
treat to  Tampa  Bay,  and,  as  there  was  no  danger  of 


41G 


AUTOmuGKArUY    OF 


molestation  on  the  way,  many  of  the  ofticers  obtained 
libcriy  to  gallop  on  in  advance  of  the  army.  Colonel 
Jkyant  rode  a  very  valuable  black  charger,  acknowl- 
edged to  be  the  best  horse  in  camp.  After  traveling 
on  a  while,  the  colonel  said,  "  I  have  a  notion  to  rid(^ 
on  and  get  in  to-day,  as  my  presence  is  required  ;  you 
can  get  in  to-morrow  at  your  leisure."  A  number  said, 
If  you  can  get  in  to-day,  we  can,  and  finally  the  whole 
party  proposed  starting  off  together. 

Wc  at  length  came  to  a  SAvampy  place  in  the  road, 
which  spread  over  live  miles,  and  in  many  places  took 
our  horses  off  their  feet.  This  place  forded,  there  was 
then  a  narrow  stream,  and  after  that  it  was  all  dry 
land.  Having  passed  the  swamp  and  the  stream,  and 
got  fairly  on  to  dry  land  again,  I  took  the  saddle  oft* 
my  mule,  vv'hich  example  all  followed,  and,  with  the 
assistance  of  a  brother  officer,  wrung  the  saddle-blank- 
et as  dry  as  possible,  and  then  spread  it  out  fairly  in 
the  sun  to  dry.  In  the  mean  while,  the  horses  helped 
themselves  to  a  good  feed  of  gTass,  and  we  all  partook 
of  a  hearty  lunch  likewise. 

Thus  refreshed,  we  saddled  up  and  proceeded  again. 
After  a  few  miles  travel  we  discovered  the  rear  of  Bry- 
ant's party,  who  were  toiling  slowly  along,  and  goring 
their  animals'  flanks  in  the  vain  endeavor  to  urge  them 
into  speed.  We  passed  them  with  a  hearty  cheer. 
We  journeyed  on  until  within  three  miles  of  the  fort, 
where  there  was  a  short  bend  in  the  road,  and  a  foot- 
trail  across,  which  saved  about  a  hundred  yard^. 
"Now,  gentlemen,"  said  I,  "let  us  raise  a  gallop,  and 
pass  every  body  on  the  road."  The  work  was  at  once 
accomplished,  some  of  my  men  deriding  those  left  be- 
hind on  account  of  their  miserable  progress.  We  then 
all  struck  into  a  gallop,  and  soon  reached  the  fort,  and 


JAMES    1*.   UnCKWUlKTll. 


417 


(taincd 
Colonel 
knovvl- 
aveling 
to  rido 
\ ;  von 
cr  said, 
e  whole 

le  road, 
ces  took 
lere  was 

all  dry 
;am,  and 
iddle  off 
with  the 
le-blank- 

fairly  in 
es  helped 
partook 

ed  again, 
r  of  Bry- 
d  goring 
rge  them 
ty  cheer, 
f  the  fort, 
d  a  foot- 
d   yard:-, 
allop,  and 
as  at  once 
se  left  be- 
We  then 
fort,  and 


a 


several  of  our  company  found  time  to  get  quite  intoxi- 
cated before  the  quarter-master  arrived,  lie,  however, 
soon  recovered  his  equanimity  of  temper,  and  begged 
a  solution  of  the  mystery  how  we  could  come  in  with 
our  animals  fresh,  while  his  and  his  companions'  Jiorses 
were  jaded  to  death,  lie  was  referred  by  all  to  the 
captain  of  the  mountaineers. 

1  said,  *'  .V  horse,  colonel,  is  only  flesh  and  blood, 
and  hi«  system  requires  greater  care  than  that  of  il- 
most  any  other  animal.  We  beat  your  powerful  steed 
with  inferior  animals  by  affording  them  a  short  rest, 
with  a  mouthful  or  tivo  of  grass  on  the  road,  and  by 
wringhig  our  blankets  after  we  had  passed  the  water." 

Now  we  had  another  long  interval  of  inactivity,  and 
I  began  to  grow  tired  of  Florida,  with  its  inaccessible 
hummocks.  It  seemed  to  me  to  be  a  country  dear  even 
at  the  price  of  the  powder  that  would  be  required  to 
blow  the  Indians  out  of  it,  and  certainly  a  poor  field  to 
work  in  for  renown.  ]\Iy  company  and  I,  its  com- 
mander, had  nothing  to  do  except  to  carry  an  occasion- 
al dispatch,  and  I  wanted  excitement  of  some  kind — I 
was  indifferent  of  what  nature,  even  if  it  was  no  bet- 
ter than  boiTowing  horses  of  the  Black  Feet.  The 
Seminoles  had  no  horses  worth  stealing,  or  I  should 
certainly  have  exercised  my  talents  for  tlie  benefit  of 
the  United  States. 

The  last  dispatches  that  I  carried  in  Florida  I  bore 
from  Fort  Dade  to  Fort  Brooke.  In  accomplishing 
this,  I  traveled  with  my  customary  caution,  avoiding 
the  trail  as  much  as  possible.  In  a  part  wiiere  I  an- 
ticipated no  danger,  I  took  the  trail,  and  fell  asleep  on 
my  horse,  for  I  had  ridden  four  days  and  nights  with- 
out rest,  except  what  I  had  snatched  upon  horseback. 
Suddenly  my  horse  sprang  aside,  instantly  awaking 

S2 


4lb 


ALTOJIIUGKAPIJV    Ol- 


me.  1  tbund  I  had  bcon  sleeping  too  loiiji",  tor  L  liad 
])assed  the  turning-point,  and  was  now  near  a  hum- 
mock. To  return  would  eost  me  several  miles  travel. 
My  Iiorse's  ears  informed  me  there  was  something  in 
motion  near  by.  1  pondered  my  position,  and  ulti- 
mately resolved  to  take  the  chances  and  go  ahead.  The 
road  through  the  hummock  was  just  wide  enough  to 
admit  the  army  wagons  to  pass.  I  bid  my  horse  go, 
and  he  sprung  forward  with  tremendous  bounds.  He 
liad  not  reached  through  this  dark  and  dangerous  pass 
when  I  saw  the  flash  of  several  guns,  and  the  balls  whiz- 
zed harndessly  past  me.  I  discharged  my  pistols  at 
the  lair  of  my  foes,  and  traveled  on  in  safety  to  the  fort. 

I  grew  tired  of  this,  and  informed  Colonel  l^ryant 
that  I  wished  to  resign  my  task.  "  Why  ?"  said  he ; 
"every  body  who  undertakes  it  gets  killed,  while  you 
never  see  any  Indians.     What  are  we  to  do  ?" 

W^Iien  in  camp,  I  had  frequently  seen  men  come 
running  in  half  dead  with  alarm,  saying  lihat  they  had 
seen  Indians,  or  had  been  iired  upon  by  Indians.  1 
remarked  that  they  were  alvvays  ridiculed  by  the  of- 
flcers ;  even  the  privates  disbelieved  them.  Seeing 
this,  I  determined  to  say  nothing  about  my  adventure; 
for,  if  tJiey  had  received  my  assertion  w^ith  increduli- 
ty, it  might  liave  led  to  an  unpleasant  scene  in  the 
wigwam.  • 

I  was  determined  to  return  to  the  "home  of  the  free 
and  the  land  of  the  brave,"  for  I  felt  that  the  mount- 
ains and  the  prairies  of  the  Great  West,  although  less 
attended  with  renown,  at  least  would  afford  me  more 
of  the  substantial  comforts  of  life,  and  suit  my  peculiar 
taste  better  than  the  service  of  Uncle  Sam  in  Florida. 

The  commander  of  the  fort,  after  reading  the  dis- 
patch, indorsed  on  it,  "Beckwourth  fired  on  by  a  party 


JAMES    I*.    HEfKWOL'lJTII. 


4\i) 


1  had 

hum- 
travel, 
ing  in 
i  ulti- 
l.   The 
ugh  to 
rse  go, 
s.    H(« 
lis  pass 
[s  whiz- 
stols  at 
the  fort. 

Bryant 
3aid  he ; 
hile  you 

en  come 
they  had 
ians.  1 
■f  the  of- 
Sceing 
venture; 
ncreduli- 
le  in  the 

f  the  free 
e  mount- 
oudi  less 
me  more 
y  peculiar 
Florida, 
the  dis- 
3y  a  party 


of  Indians  when  near  tliis  post."    He  tlien  returned  it 
to  me,  and  I  rode  on  to  Fort  Brooke. 

( /oloncl  Bryant,  having  read  the  dispatch,  said,  "Ah, 
Beckwourth,  you  have  been  fired  on,  I  see !  why  did 
you  not  tell  us  so  on  your  arrival  ?" 

I  informed  him  of  my  reasons,  as  before  stated. 

He  smiled.  "Your  word  would  have  been  believed 
by  us  all,"  he  said;  "it  is  these  stupid  foreigners  that 
we  discredit,  who  do  not  know  an  Indian  from  a  stump; 
they  have  deceived  us  too  often  for  us  to  put  further 
faith  in  them." 

A  Seminole  came  into  the  fort  a  few  days  subse- 
quent to  this,  to  give  himself  up,  his  arm  being  broken. 
When  questioned  about  it,  he  said  that  a  white  man 
had  broken  it  in  such  a  hummock,  on  such  a  night.  I 
then  knew  that  my  pistols,  which  I  tired  at  random, 
had  done  the  mischief. 

Alligator,  the  Seminole  Chief,  shortly  after  came  in. 
and  informed  Colonel  Taylor  that  he  and  his  tribe  had 
concluded  to  remove  to  their  new  home,  and  requested 
the  colonel  to  send  down  wagons  to  transport  their 
women  and  children. 

"I  have  fought  you  a  long  time,"  said  the  Red  Man, 
"  but  I  can  not  beat  you.  If  I  kill  ten  of  your  war- 
riors, you  send  a  hundred  to  replace  them ;  I  am  now 
ready  to  go,  and  save  the  rest  of  my  people." 

"  Yes,"  the  colonel  answered,  "  your  talk  is  good. 
You  can  now  go  to  your  new  home,  and  be  happy. 
There  is  a  man  (pointing  to  me)  who  is  a  great  chief 
of  a  great  nation ;  you  will,  for  aught  I  know,  be  neigh- 
bor to  his  people ;  he  and  his  people  will  teach  you  to 
hunt  the  buffalo,  and  I  hope  you  will  be  good  friends." 

While  I  was  with  the  army  a  tragedy  occurred, 
which  I  have  never  seen  in  any  public  print,  and  I  deem 


-120 


.AiniHIUGKAIMiY    (.»P 


it  of  sufficient  interest  to  make  mention  of  it  here.  A 
young  private,  of  very  respectable  connexions^  hnd 
l)cen  tried  for  sonic  oifense,  and  sentenced  to  receive  .1 
i logging,  wliicli  was  carried  unmercifully  into  ert'ect. 
After  he  had  recovered,  the  surgeon  bade  him  go  and 
report  himself  lit  for  duty. 

"I  will  go,"  said  he,  "but  it  will  be  my  last  duty.'* 

Accordingly,  he  fixed  his  bayonet  and  repaired  to 
the  officers'  quarters,  where  he  found  the  captain  and 
first  lieutenant  of  his  company.  He  advanced  upon 
them,  and  saying,  "You  have  disgraced  me  with  an 
inhuman  flogging — die  !"  he  shot  the  captain  dead,  and 
plunged  his  bayonet  through  the  body  of  the  lieuten- 
ant, also  killing  him  on  the  spot. 

He  straightway  gave  himself  up,  was  tried  by  court- 
martial,  and  sentenced  to  be  shot.  The  execution  of 
the  sentence  was  withheld  by  Colonel  Taylor,  who  had 
forwarded  the  particulars  of  the  trial  to  the  department 
at  Washington,  and  was  waiting  the  result  of  official 
investigation.  The  case  was  found  worthy  of  execu- 
tive interference;  a  pardon  was  signed  by  the  Pres- 
ident and  sent  on,  and  the  young  man  was  liberated 
from  confinement. 

Such  inhuman  treatment  as  this  poor  young  soldier 
received  at  the  hands  of  his  officers  has  resulted,  I  have 
no  shadow  of  doubt,  in  the  death  of  many  an  officer  on 
the  battle-field. 

I  remember,  at  the  battle  of  0-ke-clio-be,  a  young 
lieutenant  riding  up  to  Colonel  Foster,  and  saying, 
"  Colonel,  I  have  been  shot  at  twice,  and  not  by  the 
enemy  either.*' 

"  It  was  by  no  friend,  I  will  swear,"  said  the  colo- 
nel ;  "  you  can  leave  the  field,  and  learn  to  treat  your 
men  well  in  future." 


JAMES    I'.   ni:('K\Vn[:KTH, 


421 


re.    iv 

-J     •     -   ■ 

301  vc  ;i 


go  and 

duty.'' 
lired  to 
lin  and 
id  upon 
svitli  an 
;ad,  and 
lieuten- 

y  court- 
ution  of 
who  had 
Dartment 
►f  official 
)f  execu- 
he  Pres- 
liberated 

ig  soldier 

ed,  I  have 

officer  on 

,  a  young 
d  saying, 
lot  by  the 

I  the  colo- 
treat  your 


This  I  witnessed  myself;  but  whether  tlie  young 
"  buckskin''  profited  by  the  sharp  cut  of  tlie  colonel 
r  Jini  unable  to  say. 

Tliere  was  a  Tcnnesseean  in  camp,  a  gi'cat  foot-ra- 
cer, who  was  incessantly  boasting  about  his  wonderful 
pedestrian  powers,  lie  had  a  valuable  horse,  which 
he  oft'ered  to  stake  against  any  person  in  the  camp  for 
a  race  of  sixty  yards.  As  lie  was  considered  a  "great 
leg"  by  all,  no  one  ventured  to  take  up  his  offer. 

I  offered  myself  as  a  competitor,  but  all  sought  to 
dissuade  me.  "Don't  run  against  him,"  said  they; 
"  that  fellow  will  outrun  Lucifer  himself.  He  has  beat 
every  man  who  has  run  against  him  in  Florida." 

However,  I  staked  a  hundred  dollars  against  his 
horse,  and  entered  the  lists.  We  started  together; 
but,  as  I  did  not  see  my  antagonist  either  ahead  of 
me  or  by  my  side,  I  looked  around,  and  saw  him  com- 
ing up.  I  went  out  a  good  distance  ahead  of  him,  and 
did  not  exert  myself  either. 

The  enemy  having  submitted  to  the  government, 
there  was  nothing  more  for  us  to  do,  and  I  asked  for 
a  furlough  to  return  to  Ht.  Louis.  I  and  my  company 
were  enlisted  for  a  year ;  ten  months  of  this  time  had 
been  served,  and  I.  obtained  a  furlough  for  the  remaining 
two  months.  We  embarked  for  New  Orleans,  Colonel 
Gates  and  his  regiment  taking  passage  in  the  same 
ship.  Arriving  at  my  place  of  destination  in  safety,  I 
staid  but  one  night  in  the  "  Crescent  City,"  and  then 
took  the  steamer  to  St.  Louis,  where  we  had  a  good 
time  while  steaming  up,  and  I  Avas  very  well  satisfied 
to  jump  ashore  once  again  at  my  old  home.  My  com- 
pany all  returned  but  two,  one  of  whom  died  in  New 
Orleans,  the  other  was  killed  by  the  Heminolas  after  I 
left. 


422 


ai;t<jbiugraph\  ur 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

Departure  for  the  Mountains. — Severe  Sickness  on  the  Waj'. — Arrival 
at  IJont'a  Fort. — Arrival  at  Sublet's  Fort. — Interview  witli  the  Choy 
ennos. — Difiiculty  with  a  Sioux  Warrior. — His  Death. — Successful 
Tr.'idc  opened  with  various  Tribes. — Incidents. 

I  STAID  but  five  days  in  St.  Louis,  wliicli  time  I  de- 
voted to  a  hasty  visit  among  my  friends.  I  entered 
into  service  witli  Messrs.  Sublet  and  Yasques  to  return 
to  the  mountains  and  trade  with  any  tribes  I  miglit 
find  on  the  head-waters  of  the  Platte  and  Arkansa.=5 
rivers.  This  country  embraces  the  hunting-ground.s 
of  the  Cheyennes,  the  AiTap-a-hos,  the  Sioux,  and  the 
I-a-tans. 

All  preliminaries  being  arranged,  which  are  of  no  in- 
terest to  the  reader,  I  bade  my  friends  once  more  adieu; 
and,  stepping  on  board  a  steam-boat  bound  up  the  ]\Iis~ 
souri,  we  were  soon  breasting  its  broad  and  turbid  cur- 
rent. We  spent  the  Fourth  on  board,  amid  much  noise, 
revelry,  and  drunken  patriotism.  We  were  landed  in 
safety  at  Independence,  where  we  received  our  wagons, 
cattle,  etc.,  with  which  to  convey  the  immense  stock 
of  goods  I  had  brought  through  the  Indian  country. 
We  were  very  successful  in  escaping  accident  in  our 
progress  over  the  plains,  until  we  reached  the  ridge 
which  passes  between  the  Arkansas  and  Platte  rivers. 
While  ascending  this  ridge,  accompanied  with  Mr. 
Vasques,  I  was  sun-struck.  We  were  at  that  time 
twenty  miles  from  water;  I  was  burning  with  thirst, 
the  heat  was  intolerable,  and  hostile  Indians  were  be- 
fore us.     After  incredible  suffering  we  reached  the  riv- 


lAMES    P.   UKCKWOLRTII. 


42a 


— Arrival 
the  Clioy 
Jucoessfui 

ne  I  de- 
entered 

0  return 

1  might 
irkansa? 
■grounds 

and  the, 

of  no  hi- 
re adieu; 
the  Mis- 
rbid  cur- 
Lch  noise, 
Landed  in 
•  wagons, 
ise  stoclv 
country, 
nt  in  ouv 
tlie  ridge 
tte  rivers, 
with  Mr. 
that  time 
ith  thirst, 
\  were  be- 
id  the  riv- 


er bank,  and  crossed  tlie  stream  to  an  ishmd,  wliere  J 
lay  me  down  to  die.  All  our  medicines  were  in  the 
wagons,  and  two  days"  journey  in  our  rear.  My  fa- 
tigue and  suftering  had  thrown  me  into  a  fever ;  f  be- 
came delirious,  and  grew  rapidly  worse.  1  requested 
my  companion  to  return  to  the  wagons  and  procure  me 
some  medicine ;  but  he  refused  to  leave  me,  lest  I  might 
(he  in  his  absence. 

I  said  to  him,  "  If  you  stay  by  me  I  shall  certainly 
die,  for  you  can  not  relieve  me ;  but  if  you  go,  and 
naaire  holds  out  till  you  return,  there  is  some  chance 
of  my  gaining  relief.  Go,"  1  added,  "  and  liasten  your 
return." 

He  left  me  at  my  entreaties,  but  filled  all  our  vessels 
with  water  before  he  started.  I  speedily  fell  asleep,  and 
1  know  not  how  long  I  remained  unconscious.  When 
I  at  length  awoke,  I  drank  an  inordinate  quantity, 
which  caused  me  to  perspire  copiously ;  this  relieved 
me,  and  my  recovery  commenced  from  that  moment, 
although  I  still  suffered  from  a  severe  headache.  The 
third  day  of  my  friend's  absence  I  could  walk  about  a 
httle,  and  the  fourth  day,  at  noon,  I  kept  a  good  look- 
out in  the  direction  I  expected  succor.  Suddenly  I 
saw  a  head  appear,  and  another,  and  then  another,  un- 
til four  showed  themselves.  They  are  Indians,  I  said 
to  myself;  but  if  there  are  only  four,  I  stand  a  pass- 
able chance  with  them,  so  let  them  come  on.  I  saw 
they  had  discovered  me,  so  I  arose  and  showed  myself. 
With  joyous  shouts  they  flew  toward  me.  It  was  my 
companion,  with  three  others,  who  haa  come  either  to 
bury  me  or  to  assist  me  to  the  wagons.  Their  joy  on 
beholding  me  so  miraculously  restored  was  unbound- 
ed, while  my  delight  at  seeing  them  was  almost  as 
great.     We  remained  on  the  island  that  niglit,  and  the 


424 


ALTUIMUUKAI'IIV    <>1 


following  morning  started  for  the  wagons,  wiiioii  w  •, 
ibuiid  in  two  days. 

Ill  going  for  assistanro,  my  friend  iiad  a  narrow  os- 
cajx".  He  came  siukUndy  iijxHi  a  j)arty  of  I'awnfcs, 
and  one  made  a  rush  for  Jiis  horse.  He  disciiarged  iiis 
ritlc  hastily,  and  missed  his  mark.  He  then  had  to 
trust  to  his  horse's  heels ;  but,  as  he  was  jaded,  he  did 
not  make  very  goel  speed.  ^J'he  Indians  were  on  foot, 
and  gave  close  chase,  but,  when  they  saw  his  rifle  re- 
loaded, they  fell  back  to  a  wider  distance,  and  plied  him 
with  arrows  until  he  was  out  of  reach. 

I  was  placed  in  a  wagon,  and  attended  on  as  far  as 
our  circumstances  would  admit,  until  1  recovered  niv 
accustomed  health.  We  staid  one  night  at  J5urt*s  Fort, 
on  the  Arkansas,  and  then  moved  on  to  our  destination 
on  the  South  Fork  of  the  Platte.  Here  we  erected 
suitable  buildings  within  the  fort  for  our  })roposcd  trad- 
ing, and,  among  others,  a  barn,  which  wc  proceeded  to 
fill  with  hay  for  the  coming  winter. 

While  staying  at  the  fort,  a  man  inquired  of  Sublet 
his  reason  for  bringing  up  such  a  rascally  fellow  as  I, 
to  prompt  the  Indians  into  rising  and  massacring  all 
the  whites. 

"Murray,"  said  Sublet  —  for  that  was  tlie  man's 
name — "it  is  unsafe  for  you  to  express  such  sentiments 
in  relation  to  Beckwourth ;  should  they  reach  his  ears, 
he  would  surely  make  you  rue  it.  I  have  heard  these 
foul  aspersions  upon  his  character  before,  and  I  am  in 
a  position  to  know  that  they  are  all  unfounded.  Had 
I  the  least  suspicion  of  his  integrity,  I  should  be  the 
last  man  to  take  him  in  my  employ." 

This  conversation  was  reported  to  me  at  some  dis- 
tance from  the  fort,  where  Murray  was  perfectly  safe. 
But  these  foul  reports  annoyed  me  exceedingly.     They 


JAMES  r.  niuKworuTii. 


425 


Yl'OW  o>- 
'awnocs, 
irgcd  his 
n  had  to 
il,  he  did 
I  on  foot. 
i  ritio  Yv- 


pUed  hi 


\m 


as  far  as 
vcvcd  my 
irt's  Fort, 
esthiation 
-e  erected 
oscd  trad- 
)ceedcd  to 

of  Sublet 
;llow  as  I, 
sacring  all 

the  man's 
sentiments 
li  his  ears, 
leard  these 
nd  I  am  hi 
led.  Had 
uld  be  the 

;  some  dis- 
fectly  safe, 
^ly.     They 


were  like  stabs  in  tlie  dark,  for  no  one  ever  accused  mc 
to  my  face  of  sucli  misdeeds. 

After  having  placed  tilings  to  rights,  we  were  dining 
togelher  within  tlie  fort,  when  Mr.  Subh't  rose  and  said, 

"  Traders  and  clerks,  you  have  come  liere  to  tlic 
mountains  to  Avork  for  me,  and  1  expect  every  man  to 
do  his  best.  If  I  am  prospered,  I  will  do  well  by  all 
of  you.  1  desire  a  regular  system  established  in  my 
business  out  here,  that  my  interests  may  be  placed 
upon  a  secure  footing.  I  am  now  going  to  deliver  the 
key  of  my  entire  stock  of  goods  to  one  man  among 
you,  in  whom  1  have  imjdicit  conhdencc,  and  whose 
long  experience  and  intimate  acquaintance  with  the  In- 
dian character  pre-eminently  entitle  him  to  the  trust. 
This  man  will  have  full  command  of  the  fort,  and  full 
charge  of  its  affairs.  I  Avish  you  to  receive  him  as  a 
representative  of  myself,  and,  whatever  orders  you  re- 
ceive from  liim,  obey  them  cheerfully  and  to  the  very 
letter." 

All  present  promised  ready  acquiescence  to  the  wish- 
es of  our  chief. 

He  then  delivered  the  key  to  me,  saying,  "Beck- 
wourth,  I  place  this  trust  in  your  keeping,  believing 
you  to  be  as  morally  worthy  of  the  confidence  I  repose 
in  you,  as  you  are  practically  qualified  to  advance  my 
interests.  I  abandon  my  affairs  to  your  keeping.  Do 
your  best,  and  I  shall  be  satisfied." 

I  was  so  entirely  unprepared  for  this  distinguished 
mark  of  confidence,  that  for  a  moment  I  was  unable  to 
reply.  After  a  momentary  irresolution,  I  said,  *'  Mr. 
Sublet,  you  have  other  men  present  who  are  better  able 
to  discharge  this  trust.  I  thank  you  for  the  flattering 
preference,  but  I  beg  to  be  excused  from  assuming  the 
responsibility." 


426 


ALTOHIOC.KAl'ICY   OF 


"  I  engaged  yon,"  he  answered,  "  to  gerve  me  in  tlii.s 
eapacity,  antl  1  wish  you  to  aeecpt  the  eliarge." 

*'In  that  case,"  1  said,  "  1  will  do  my  best  to  pro- 
mote your  interest." 

Sliortly  after,  lie  called  mc  apart,  and  said,  "  J^eck- 
wourth,  1  am  deeply  in  debt.  1  have  ])een  losing  for 
a  long  time.  If  you  can  replace  mc  in  one  year,  you 
shall  be  substantially  rewarded,  and  I  shall  feel  sin- 
cerely grateful  for  your  service." 

*'  Ilow  much  do  you  owe  ?"  I  inquired. 

*»  Over  seventeen  thousand  dollars." 

'*Well,"  said  I,  "  if  the  men  co-operate  witii  me,  and 
carry  out  my  instructions,  1  feel  contident  of  working 
you  straight." 

1  forthwith  set  about  establishing  sub-posts  in  va- 
rious places,  with  the  KSiouxs,  Arrap-a-hos,  1-a-tans, 
and  Cheyennes,  and  selected  the  best  men  at  hand  to 
attend  them.  I  placed  one  at  the  mouth  of  Crow 
Creek,  which  I  called  my  post,  but  left  a  p^an  in  charge 
of  it,  as  I  was  at  present  fully  occupic  '  traveling 
from  one  post  to  another." 

We  had  not,  as  yet,  found  any  customers ;  but,  as 
we  were  in  the  Cheyenne  country,  I  knew  some  of 
that  nation  could  not  be  very  far  off.  I  sent  three  dif- 
ferent messengers  in  search  of  them  to  invite  them  to 
trade,  but  they  all  returned  without  having  discover- 
ed the  whereabouts  of  the  Indians.  Tired  of  these 
failures,  I  took  a  man  with  me,  and  started  in  the  di- 
rection of  the  Laramie  mountain.  While  ascending 
the  mount,  I  cast  my  eyes  in  the  direction  of  a  valley, 
and  discovered  buffalo  running  in  small  groups,  which 
was  sufficient  evidence  that  they  had  been  chased  re- 
cently by  Indians.  We  went  no  farther,  but  encamped 
there,  and  at  nightfall  we  saw  fires.     The  next  morn- 


JAMKS    r.    IJKtJKWMCUTFI. 


427 


(i  in  thi.s 
;  to  pro- 

'*  l^ocU- 
of*ing  tor 
,'wir,  you 

feel  s  lu- 


ll inc,  and 
t'  working 

Bts  ill  va- 
,  1-a-tans, 
at  hand  to 
I  of  Crow 
in  charge 
travehng 

s ;  h\xt,  as 
\r  some  ot 
t  three  dif- 
Xq  them  to 

discover- 
A  of  these 

in  the  di- 

ascending 
of  a  valley, 
mps,  which 

chased  re- 
t  encamped 
next  morn- 


ini;  a  dense  smoke  luinu:  like  a  cloud  over  the  villairn 
(.ftlie  (Jlieyenncs;  we  ate  a  hasty  meal,  and  .started  to 
luxy  them  a  visit. 

As  we  approached  the  village  wc  saw  AVilliam  Ik'ut, 
HU  interpreter,  entering  before  us.  lie  visited  the 
chief 's  lodge;  we  followed  him  in,  and  seated  ourselves 
near  him.  lie  looked  aghast,  and  addressed  me:  "My 
(lodl  iJeckwourth,  how  dare  you  come  among  the 
(Jlieyennes  V  Don't  you  know  that  they  will  kill  you 
if  they  discover  you  V" 

1  replied  that  1  thought  not. 

He  had  come  on  the  same  errand  as  ourselves,  name- 
ly, to  induce  a  portion  f  the  village  to  remove  to  tlie 
I*latte,  as  buffalo  were  abundant  in  that  region.  After 
:i  conversation  was  held  between  Bent  and  a  chief,  the 
Litter  inquired  of  Bent  who  we  were.  He  informed 
liim  that  we  were  Left  Hand's  (Sublet's)  men, 

"  What  do  they  want  here  ?"  he  asked. 

"They  come  for  the  same  purpose  that  I  have,'' 
lient  answered,  "to  have  you  move  on  to  the  Platte." 

Bent  then  inquired  of  me  what  account  1  wished  to 
give  of  myself,  as  he  would  interpret  for  me ;  but,  pre- 
ferring to  interpret  for  myself,  I  asked  if  there  was  a 
Crow  among  them  that  I  could  speak  to.  At  the  word 
"  Crow"  they  all  started,  and  every  eye  was  riveted 
upon  me. 

One  stepped  forward,  and  said,  "  I  am  a  Crow.'* 

"  You  a  Crow  ?" 

"Yes." 

"  How  long  have  you  been  away  from  them  ?" 

"  Twenty  winters." 

Bent  was  in  the  greatest  perplexity.  "You  are  not 
surely  going  to  tell  them  who  you  are,  Jim  ?  If  you 
do,  you'll  cost  your  friends  nothing  for  your  funeral." 


L-^- 


428 


ALTUJJloaiiAJ'IlY    OF 


;  J 


This  np[  rehension  on  tlic  part  o^  Bent  proved  to  \\\<^. 
(hat,  although  he  had  lived  long  among  the  Indians 
he  had  still  mucli  to  learn  of  their  real  character.     I 
therefore  requested  him  to  quiet  his  fears  and  bide  tlic 
result. 

Turning  to  the  Crow,  I  then  said,  "  Tdl  the  Chey- 
cnnes  that  1  have  fought  them  many  winters ;  that  t 
have  killed  so  many  of  their  people  that  I  am  buried 
with  their  scalps ;  I  have  taken  a  host  of  their  women 
and  children  prisoners  ;  I  liavo  ridden  their  horses  un- 
til their  backs  were  sore ;  I  have  eaten  their  fat  buf- 
falo until  I  was  full ;  I  have  e?  ten  their  cherries,  and 
the  other  fruits  of  their  land,  until  I  could  cat  no  more. 
I  have  killed  a  great  Crow  chief,  and  am  obliged  to 
run  away,  or  be  killed  by  them.  I  have  come  to  the 
Cheyennes,  who  are  the  bravest  people  in  the  mount- 
ains, as  I  do  not  wish  to  be  killed  by  any  of  the  infe- 
rior tribes.  I  have  come  here  to  be  killed  by  the  Chey- 
ennes, cut  up,  and  thrown  out  for  their  dogs  to  eat,  so 
that  they  may  say  that  they  have  killed  a  great  Crow 
chief." 

He  interpreted  this  unreserved  declaration  fiiithfully 
to  the  chief,  and  I  observed  Bent  ready  to  fall  from 
his  seat  at  what  he  deemed  my  foolhardy  audacity. 

"  You  are  certainly  bereft  of  your  senses,"  he  re- 
marked ;    "  the  Indians   will  make  sausage-meat  of 

you." 

Old  Bark,  the  patriarch  of  the  Cheyennes,  rose  and 
said :  "  Warrior,  we  have  seen  you  before ;  we  know 
you  ;  we  knew  you  when  you  came  in  ;  now  we  know 
you  well.  We  know  you  are  a  great  brave.  You  say 
you  have  killed  many  of  our  warriors;  we  k.iow  you 
do  not  lie.  We  like  a  great  brave,  and  we  will  not 
kill  you ;  you  shall  live." 


JA.MMS    |>,    IJKCKWoCRTil. 


42s; 


ed  to  ni'^, 

Indians 

actcr.     I 

i  bide  tliu 

he  Chev- 
s ;  that  I 
im  buried 
ir  women 
lorses  uii- 
r  fat  bnt- 
;rries,  and 
t  no  more, 
obliged  to 
>me  to  the 
he  mount- 
•f  the  infe- 
the  Chey- 
;  to  eat,  so 
;reat  Crow 

1  ftiithfuUy 
)  fall  from 
udacity. 
5es,"  he  re- 
je-meat  of 

s,  rose  and 
;  we  know 
w  we  know 
!.  You  say 
J  kiiow  you 
we  will  not 


I  answered,  "  If  you  will  not  kill  nic,  I  will  live 
with  you ;  if  you  become  poor,  lilxc  some  of  tlie  other 
tribes,  and  you  need  warriors  to  help  you  against  your 
enemies,  my  arm  is  strong,  and  perhaps  I  will  assist 
Aou  to  overcome  them  ;  but  I  will  not  at  this  time  irivo 
you  my  word  that  I  will  do  so.  If  you  do  not  kill 
ine,  I  am  going  to  trade  with  you  for  many  moons.  1 
will  trade  with  you  fairly;  I  will  not  cheat  you,  as 
some  of  the  traders  have  cheated  you.  I  have  a  great 
many  goods  over  on  the  Platte,  such  as  you  want, 
more  than  would  fill  many  of  your  lodges.  They  are 
new,  and  look  well.  ]5ut,  mind  you,  you  must  trade 
fairly  with  me.  I  have  heard  that  you  sometimes  trer.t 
your  traders  badly ;  that  you  take  away  their  goods, 
and  whip  them,  and  make  them,  run  out  of  your  coun- 
try to  save  their  lives.  Your  people  must  never  serve 
me  in  that  manner;  they  must  pay  me  for  all  they 
get ;  and  if  any  one  strikes  me,  I  shall  kill  him,  and 
thereby  show  you  that  I  am  brave.  If  any  one  should 
strike  me,  and  I  should  not  kill  liim,  you  would  call 
me  a  woman,  and  say  I  was  no  brave." 

They  then  asked  me,  through  the  Crow  interpreter, 
if  I  was  in  such  and  such  a  battle  between  their  nation 
and  the  Crows,  all  of  which  questions  I  answered  truth- 
fidly. 

"  Do  you  remember  that  in  such  a  battle  we  lost 
such  a  brave  V  describing  him. 

"Yes." 

"  Who  killed  liim  ?" 

"  I  did."  Or,  if  I  did  not  kill  Iiim,  I  would  tell  them 
the  name  of  the  Crow  who  did. 

"  Did  he  fight  well  ?" 

'*  Yes,  he  fought  well." 

"Pie  died  like  a  brave  man,  then  I"  they  would 
ejaculate. 


mxaeii-j  k»b* 


4;  JO 


AITTOBIOdKAPHY    OF 


''  Were  you  in  such  a  battle  ?"  asked  anotlier. 

"Yes." 

*'  Did  you  sec  such  a  warrior  fall  ?" 

"Yes." 

*'  Did  he  fight  strong  like  a  brave  ?" 

"  No,  he  did  not  fight  well." 

"  Ugh !  he  was  no  brave  ;  he  deserved  to  be  killed." 

In  battle  every  warrior  has  his  personal  device  paint- 
ed on  his  shield,  chosen  according  to  his  fancy.  ]My 
"armorial  bearing"  was  a  crescent,  with  a  green  bin! 
between  the  horns,  and  a  star  on  each  side  the  field. 
I  described  my  novel  device,  and  there  was  a  great 
movement  among  them,  for  most  of  them  distinctly 
recollected  that  shield,  nnd  I  saw  myself  rising  in  their 
estimation.  Their  brave  hearts  rejoiced  to  have  a  true 
warrior  before  them,  for  they  esteemed  me  as  brave  as 
tliem  selves. 

One  of  their  great  chiefs,  named  the  Bob-tailed 
Horse,  arose,  and  asked  me  if  I  remembered  the  battle 
on  Pole  Creek.     I  replied  that  I  did. 

"  You  killed  me  there,"  he  said,  "  but  I  did  not  die ;" 
and  he  pointed  out  two  scars  upon  liis  chest,  just  be- 
low the  lower  rib,  where  the  balls  from  my  gun  en- 
tered, and  which  must  have  killed  any  body  but  an  In- 
dian. 

"  Where  did  I  hit  you  ?"  he  asked. 

"  Ugh!"  said  I;   "you  missed  me." 

Old  Bark  then  said,  "  Warrior,  you  killed  me  onco, 
too :  look  here ;"  and  he  withdrew  the  hair  from  his 
right  temple,  and  I  saw  that  his  cheek  had  been  badly 
torn,  and  his  ear  was  entirely  missing.  "But,"  he 
added,  "  I  did  not  die.     You  fought  bravely  that  day." 

1  lad  I  gone  among  the  Pawnees,  the  Siouxs,  or  many 
other  tribes,  and  held  this  talk,  I  should  have  been 


ler. 


s  killed." 
ice  paiut- 
cy.  ]\Iy 
i-een  bird 
the  field. 
5  a  great 
distinctly 
g  in  their 
ave  a  true 
3  brave  as 

Bob-tailed 
the  battle 

L  not  die ;" 
t,  just  be- 
y  gun  en- 
but  an  Tn- 


d  me  once 
ir  from  his 
been  badly 
"  But,"  hV 
that  day." 
:s,  or  many 
have  been 


>-^ 


JAMKS    P.   BECKWOURTH. 


438 


■•i/;i 


M 


hewn  to  pieces  in  a  moment ;  but  the  Clieyennes  were 
great  braves  themselves,  and  admired  the  quality  in 
others,  the  Crows  being  their  only  equals. 

While  I  sat  talking  thus,  one  of  my  men  entered  the 
village  bearing  two  ten -gallon  kegs  of  whisky.  He 
requested  me  to  take  onv.  and  sell  it  out,  while  he  went 
to  the  other  er  d  of  the  village,  where  the  Siouxs  were 
encamped,  to  st^ll  the  other.  I  had  hitherto  always 
opposed  the  sale  of  liquor  to  the  Indians,  and,  during 
my  chieftainship  of  the  Crows,  not  one  drop  had  ever 
been  brought  into  the  village  ;  but  now  I  was  restrain- 
ed by  no  such  moral  obligation.  I  was  a  mere  trader, 
hazarding  my  life  among  the  savages  to  make  money 
for  my  employers.  The  sale  of  liquor  is  one  of  the 
most  profitable  branches  of  a  trader's  business,  and, 
since  the  appetite  for  the  vile  potion  had  already  been 
created,  my  personal  influence  in  the  matter  was  very 
slight.  I  was  no  lawgiver;  I  was  no  longer  in  a  po- 
sition to  prohibit  the  introduction  of  the  white  man's 
fire-water ;  if  I  had  refused  to  sell  it  to  the  Indians, 
plenty  more  traders  would  have  furnished  it  to  them ; 
and  my  conscientious  scruples  would  benefit  the  In- 
dians none,  and  would  deprive  my  embaiTassed  em- 
ployer of  a  very  considerable  source  of  profit. 

Running  these  things  hurriedly  over  in  my  own 
mind,  I  took  the  proffered  keg,  and  dealt  it  all  out  with- 
in two  hours.  Certainly  the  rate  of  profit  was  high 
enough ;  if  a  man  wants  a  good  price  for  the  sale  of 
his  soul  to  his  satanic  majesty,  let  him  engage  in  the 
liquor  business  among  the  nations  of  the  Rocky  Mount- 
ains. Our  liquor  was  a  choice  article.  One  pint  of 
alcohol,  costing,  I  suppose,  six  cents,  was  manufac- 
tured into  five  times  the  quantity  of  whisky,  and  this 
was  retailed  to  our  insatiate  customers  at  the  rate  of 

T 


^.r^Bi-WB  tffwWi 


434 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


one  pint  for  each  buffalo  robe.  If  the  robe  was  an 
extra  fine  one,  I  might  possibly  open  my  heart,  and 
give  two  pints.  But  I  felt  no  particular  inducement 
to  liberality  in  my  dealings,  for  I  thought  the  greatest 
kindness  I  could  show  my  customers  was  to  withhold 
the  commodity  entirely. 

Before  I  had  got  through  with  my  keg  I  had  a  row 
with  an  Indian,  which  cost  him  his  hfe  on  the  spot. 
"While  I  was  busy  in  attending  the  tap,  a  tall  Sioux 
warrior  came  into  my  establishment,  already  the  worse 
for  liquor,  which  he  had  obtained  elsewhere.  He  made 
some  formidable  strides  round  and  near  me,  and  then 
inquired  for  the  Crow.  I  was  pointed  out  to  him,  and, 
pot  valiant,  he  swaggered  up  to  me. 

"  You  are  a  Crow  ?"  he  exclaimed. 

"  Yes." 

"  You  are  a  great  Crow  brave  V 

"  Yes." 

"  You  have  killed  a  host  of  Siouxs  ?" 

"No;  I  have  killed  a  host  of  Cheyennes,  but  I  have 
only  killed  fourteen  Siouxs  with  my  own  hand." 

"  Look  at  me,"  said  he,  with  drunken  gasconade ; 
"  my  arm  is  strong ;  I  am  the  greatest  brave  in  the 
Sioux  nation.     Now  come  out,  and  I  will  kill  you." 

"No," I  said,  "I  did  not  come  here  to  be  killed 
or  to  kill ;  I  came  here  to  trade.  I  could  kill  you  as 
easily  as  I  could  kill  a  squaw,  but  you  know  that  you 
have  a  host  of  warriors  here,  while  I  am  alone.  They 
would  kill  me  after  I  had  killed  you.  But  if  I  should 
come  in  sight  of  y  jur  village  with  twenty  of  my  Crow 
warriors,  you  would  all  run  and  leave  your  lodges, 
women,  and  children.  Go  away ;  I  want  nothing  to  do 
with  you.  Your  tongue  is  strong,  but  you  are  no 
brave." 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


435 


sras  an 
rt,  and 
cement 
rreatest 
ithhold 

d  a  row 
16  spot. 
II  Sioux 
tie  worse 
3e  made 
and  then 
lim,  and, 


3ut  I  have 

and." 
asconade ; 

ave  in  the 
:iU  you." 

be  killed 
kill  you  as 
w  that  you 
)ne.    They 
if  I  should 
)f  my  Crow 
our  lodges, 
)thing  to  do 
you  are  no 


I  had  told  the  Cheyennes  but  a  few  moments  pre- 
viously that  I  had  been  among  all  the  nations  in  the 
country,  and  that  it  had  ever  been  my  invariable  rule, 
when  struck  by  a  Red  Man,  to  kill  him.  I  was  de- 
termined to  prove  the  truth  of  my  declaration  in  this 
instance.  I  had  my  battle-axe  hanging  from  my  wrist, 
and  I  was  ready  at  a  moment's  warning.  The  Sioux 
continued  his  abuse  of  me  in  his  own  tongue,  whicli 
I  paid  no  attention  to,  for  I  supposed  that,  like  his 
white  brethren,  he  might  utter  a  great  deal  of  provo- 
cation in  his  cups,  and  straightway  repent  it  when  he 
became  sober. 

Finally,  he  became  so  importunate  that  I  saw  it  was 
time  to  take  an  active  part.  I  said,  "You  want  to 
kill  me,  eh  ?"  I  would  fight  with  you,  only  I  know  T 
should  be  killed  by  the  Siouxs  afterward,  and  I  should 
have  you  for  my  waiter  in  the  spirit  land.  I  would 
rather  kill  a  good  brave,  if  I  kill  any." 

This  was  a  very  opprobrious  speech,  for  it  is  their 
faith  that  when  an  Indian  is  slain  who  has  previously 
slain  a  foe,  the  first-killed  warrior  becomes  waiter  in 
the  spirit  land  to  the  one  who  had  laid  him  low.  In- 
deed, it  was  more  than  he  could  endure.  He  jerked 
off  the  cloth  that  was  fastened  round  his  hips,  and 
struck  me  in  the  face  with  it.  I  grasped  my  battle- 
axe,  but  the  blow  I  aimed  was  arrested  by  a  lodge 
pole,  which  impended  over  his  head,  and  saved  him 
from  immediate  death.  The  lodge  pole  was  nearly 
severed  with  the  blow.  I  raised  my  arm  again,  but  it 
was  restrained  by  the  Cheyennes,  who  had  been  sit- 
ting round  with  their  heads  declined  during  the  Sioux's 
previous  abuse. 

The  Sioux  chief.  Bull  Bear,  was  standing  near,  and 
was  acquainted  with  the  whole  particulars  of  the  difii- 


436 


AUTOBIOGRArilV   OF 


culty.     He  advanced,  and  chopped  his  warrior  down, 
and  hacked  him  to  pieces  after  lie  fell. 

"Ugh!"  grunted  he,  as  coolly  as  possible,  "you 
ought  to  have  been  killed  long  ago,  you  bad  Indian!" 

This  demonstration  on  my  part  had  a  good  effect. 
The  Indians  examined  the  cut  inflicted  by  the  edge  of 
my  axe  on  the  lodge  pole,  and  declared  mine  a  strong 
arm.  They  saw  I  was  in  earnest,  and  would  do  what 
I  had  threatened,  and,  except  in  one  single  instance,  I 
had  no  farther  trouble. 

Influenced  by  my  persuasions,  two  hundred  lodges 
of  the  Cheyennes  started  for  the  Platte,  Bent  and  my- 
self accompanying  them.  On  our  way  thither  we  met 
one  of  my  wagons,  loaded  with  goods,  on  its  way  to 
the  North  Fork  of  the  Platte.  There  was  a  forty-gal- 
lon cask  of  whisky  among  its  contents,  and,  as  the  In- 
dians insisted  on  having  it  opened,  I  brought  it  out  of 
the  wagon,  and  broached  it.  Bent  begged  me  not  to 
touch  it,  but  to  wait  till  we  reached  the  fort.  I  was 
there  for  the  purpose  of  making  money,  and  when  a 
chance  offered,  it  was  my  duty  to  make  the  most  of  it. 
On  that,  he  left  me,  and  went  to  the  fort.  I  com- 
menced dealing  it  out,  and,  before  it  was  half  gone,  I 
had  realized  sixteen  horses  and  over  two  hundred  robes. 

While  I  was  busy  in  my  traffic,  the  Indians  brought 
in  four  trappers  whom  they  had  chanced  to  pick  up. 
The  poor  fellows  appeared  half  frightened  to  death,  not 
knowing  what  their  fate  would  be.  I  addressed  them 
in  English.  "  How  are  you,  boys  ?  Where  are  you 
bound  ?" 

"These  Indians  must  decide  that,"  they  replied. 
"  Are  they  good  Indians  ?" 

"  Yes,"  I  replied.     "  They  will  not  harm,  you." 

Tliey  informed  me  that  they  were  returning  from  the 


JAMES   1*.   BKCKWOUUTII. 


4^7 


^r  down, 

le,  "you 
Indian!" 
od  effect, 
e  edge  of 
5  a  strong 
1  do  what 
nstance,  I 

red  lodges 
t  and  my- 
ler  we  met 
its  way  to 
,  forty-gal- 
,  as  the  In- 
it  it  out  of 
,  me  not  to 
(rt.     I  was 
nd  when  a 
most  of  it. 
t.     I  com- 
balf  gone,  I 
idred  robes, 
ans  brought 
to  pick  up. 
0  death,  not 
ressed  them 
lere  are  you 

hey  replied. 

rm  you." 
ling  from  the 


mountains  with  twelve  packs  of  beaver,  and,  while  en- 
camped one  niglit,  the  Crows  had  stolen  their  horses. 
They  had  cached  their  peltry,  and  now  wanted  to  buy 
more  horses  to  carry  it  to  some  fort. 

I  made  a  bargain  with  them  for  their  beaver,  and, 
taking  some  horses,  went  with  them  myself  to  their  late 
encampment,  for  I  could  not  trust  them  alone  for  fear 
they  would  take  their  skins  to  some  other  post.  We 
disinterred  the  peltry,  and  with  it  reached  the  fort 
without  accident.  The  trappe^-j  staid  with  us  two  or 
three  weeks,  and  then,  pux^^hasing  their  outiit  and 
horses,  they  again  started  for  the  mountains. 

We  had  a  prosperous  foil  and  winter  trade,  and  ac- 
cumulated more  peltry  than  our  wagons  could  trans- 
port, and  we  had  to  build  boats  to  convey  it  to  St. 
Louis.  At  the  settlement  of  accounts,  it  was  found 
that  we  had  cleared  sufficient  to  pay  lilr.  Sublet's  debts, 
and  enough  over  to  buy  a  handsome  stock  of  goods 
for  the  next  season's  trade. 

I  spent  the  summer  at  the  fort,  while  Sublet  and 
Fitzpatrick  went  on  with  the  peltry  to  St.  Louis.  I 
had  but  little  to  do,  as  the  Lidians  had  removed  to 
their  summer  retreats,  and  I  spent  my  time  very  agree- 
ably with  the  few  men  remaining  behind,  in  hunting 
buffalo  for  our  own  use.  About  the  last  of  August  our 
goods  arrived,  and  we  set  ourselves  to  work  again  at 
business.  I  put  up  at  the  North  Fork  of  the  Platte,  and 
had  a  busy  fall  and  winter  trade,  making  many  very 
profitable  bargains  for  the  company.  The  Cheyennes 
thought  me  the  best  trader  that  ever  visited  them,  and 
would  not  allow  any  other  company  to  traffic  with  their 
villages.  This  sorely  vexed  my  rival  traders,  and  once 
or  twice  I  had  my  life  attempted  in  consequence. 
When  others  came  to  ask  permission  to  open  a  trad- 


4;3H 


Al  TUBIOUKAIMIY    OF 


ing-I)Ost,  tlic  Clicycnncs  would  Hay,  '*No;  wc  do  all 
our  trading  with  the  Crow.  He  will  not  cheat  us.  Ilia 
wlii.sky  ia  strong." 

When  I  found  I  liad  obtained  the  confidence  of  the 
nation,  1  told  the  Cheyenncs  that  it*  they  allowed  oth- 
er traders  to  come  in  I  should  leave  them,  and  they 
would  1)0  cheated  by  those  who  sold  poor  whisky,  that 
would  not  make  them  merry  half  so  soon  as  mini;. 
This  may  be  considered  selfish ;  but  I  knew  that  our 
company  was  keenly  competed  with  by  three  or  four 
rival  companies,  and  that  the  same  representations  that 
1  used  to  keep  the  trade  in  my  hands  were  freely  urged 
by  others  to  attract  it  from  me.  There  was  also  a 
farther  inducement  for  the  Cheyenncs  to  do  their  busi- 
ness with  me,  which  was  founded  upon  their  respect  for 
me  as  a  gi-eat  brave,  who  liad  killed  a  number  of  their 
countrymen.  Whether  there  was  diplomatic  finesse 
enough  in  their  minds  to  reflect  that,  while  I  was 
harmlessly  engaged  with  them,  I  could  7iot  be  fighting 
in  the  bands  of  their  enemies,  and  adding  to  my  pres- 
ent number  of  scalps,  I  can  not  pretend  to  say. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

Invitation  to  visit  the  Outlaws. — Interview  with  "  the  Elk  that  Calls." 
— Profitable  Trade  with  the  Outlaws. — Return  to  the  Post. — Great 
Alarm  among  the  Traders. — Five  Horses  killed  at  the  F'ort. — Flight 
from  the  Siouxs. — Safe  arrival  at  the  Fort. — Trade  with  the  Arrap- 
a-ho8. — Attacked  by  a  Cheyenne  Warrior. — Peace  restored. 

While  in  the  midst  of  my  occupations,  a  messen- 
ger was  dispatched  to  me  by  the  chief  of  a  Cheyenne 
village,  at  that  time  encamped  about  twenty  miles  dis- 
tant, with  an  invitation  to  visit  them  and  trade  there. 
This  village  was  composed  of  outlaws  from  all  the  sur- 


JAMES    P.  BECKWOUltTH. 


43'J 


^e  do  all 
us.    His 

icc  of  the 
wed  oth- 
aiid  they 
isky,  that 
as  mine. 
r  that  our 
30  or  four 
Ltious  th.it 
2cly  urged 
'as  also  a 
their  busi- 
rcspect  for 
)er  of  their 
,tic  finesse 
lile  I  was 
be  fighting 
0  my  pres- 
say. 


:ik  that  Calls." 
[>  Post. — Great 
;  Fort.— Flight 
vith  the  Arrap- 
estored. 

;,  a  messen- 
a  Cheyenne 
ty  miles  dis- 
trade  there. 
1  all  the  sur- 


rounding tribes,  who  were  expelled  from  their  various 
communities  for  sundry  infractions  of  their  rude  crim- 
inal code ;  they  had  acquired  a  hard  name  for  their 
cruelties  and  excesses,  and  many  white  traders  were 
known  to  have  been  killed  among  them.  Tlic  chief's 
name  was  Mo-he-nes-to  (the  Klk  that  Calls),  and  he 
was  a  terror  to  all  white  people  in  that  region.  The 
village  numbered  three  hundred  lodges,  and  could  bring 
from  twelve  to  fifteen  hundred  warriors  into  the  field 
— the  best  fighters  of  the  nation.  We  called  it  the 
City  of  Refuge. 

The  messenger  arrived  at  my  post,  and  inquired  for 
the  Crow. 

"  1  am  the  Crow,"  I  answered. 

"  The  great  chief,  Mo-he-nes-to,  wants  the  Crow  to 
come  to  his  lodge." 

*'  What  docs  he  want  with  me  ?" 

"lie  wants  to  trade  much." 

"  What  does  lie  want  to  trade?" 

"  He  wants  much  whisky,  nmch  beads,  much  scar- 
let, much  kettles,"  and  he  enumerated  a  list  of  ar- 
ticles. 

"  Have  your  people  any  robes  by  them  V 

"  Wugh !  they  have  so  much  robes  that  they  can 
not  move  with  them." 

"  Any  horses  ?" 

"  Great  many — good  Crow  horses." 

"Well,"  said  I,  "I  will  go  straightway,  and  you 
must  show  me  the  way." 

"Who  will  go  to  the  village  of  the  Elk  that  Calls  ?" 
I  asked  ;  "I  want  two  men." 

Peterson  and  another  volunteered  to  accompany  me ; 
but  by  this  time  the  matter  in  hand  had  reached  Su- 
blet's  ears,  and  he  came  forward  and  said, 


440 


AUTUHMMJUAIMIY    OK 


*( 


(4 


*'  Voii  arc  not  going  to  the  village  ot*  the  Outlaws, 
BcckwourthV" 

Ves,"  1  replied,  '*  I  am." 

Don't  you  know  that  they  kill  whites  there?" 

''  VeH,  I  know  that  they  have  killed  them." 

"  Weil,  I  ohjeet  to  your  going." 

*'  Caj)tain  Sublet,"  I  said,  "  1  have  promised  the  In- 
dian tliat  1  will  «;o,  and  go  I  nuist.  There  has  been 
no  trader  there  lor  a  long  time,  and  they  arc  a  rich 
prize." 

i  Ic  saw  that  T  was  resolved,  and,  having  given  mo 
the  control  of  ailairs,  he  v/ithdrew  his  objection  and 
said  no  more. 

I  accordingly  prepared  ibr  the  jouniey.  Ordering 
the  horses,  I  packed  up  my  goods,  together  with  twen- 
ty gallons  of  whisky,  and  issued  forth  on  the  way  to 
uncei'tKui  destruction,  and  bearing  with  mc  the  means 
of  destruction  certain. 

The  Indian  conducted  me  to  the  chiefs  lodge.  I 
dismounted,  my  two  men  following  my  example.  The 
chief  came  to  us,  and  passed  the  usual  compliments. 
lie  desired  me  to  take  otf  my  packs,  at  which  request 
1  immediately  remounted  my  horse. 

*'  What  is  the  matter  ?"  inquired  the  chief. 

**  When  I  send  for  my  friends  to  come  and  see  me," 
I  said,  "  I  never  ask  them  to  unpack  their  horses  or 
to  guard  them,  but  I  have  it  done  for  them." 

*'  You  are  right,  my  friend,"  said  he;  "it  shall  be 
done.     Get  off  your  horse,  and  come  into  my  lodge." 

I  dismounted  again,  and  was  about  to  follow  him. 
]\Iy  men,  v/ho  did  not  understand  our  conversation,  ar- 
rested my  path  to  inquire  what  was  in  the  wind.  I 
bade  them  keep  quiet,  as  all  was  amicable,  and  then 
entered  the  lodge.     We  held  a  long  conversation  to- 


.lAAIKS    I'.    Hi:('KWOUllTlI. 


441 


Outlaws, 


0" 

icrc  { 


3cd  the  Tn- 
«  1ms  bfcu 
arc  a  rich 


r  given  mo 
ection  and 


<T 


Orderin 
with  twcn- 
the  way  to 
J  the  means 

lodge.     T 
iple.     The 

(mplimcnts. 

iich  request 

ief. 

nd  see  me," 

ir  horses  or 

n." 

it  shall  he 
my  lodge." 
follow  him. 
ersation,  ar- 
le  wind.  I 
He,  and  then 
lersation  to- 


gether, during  wliicli  the  chief  made  many  inquiries  of 
a  similar  nature  to  tiiose  addressed  me  at  the  first 
village.  In  recounting  our  achievements,  1  found 
that  1  had  stolen  his  horses,  and  that  he  had  made  re- 
prisals upon  the  Crows,  so  that  wc  were  about  even  in 
the  horse  trade. 

At  length  lie  wislicd  mc  to  broach  the  whisky. 
"No,"  said  I,  "my  friend,  I  will  not  open  the  whisky 
until  you  send  for  your  women  to  come  witli  tlicir 
robes,  and  they  liavc  bougiit  what  goods  they  want 
first.  They  work  hard,  and  dress  all  your  robes  ;  ti>oy 
deserve  to  trade  first.  They  wish  to  buy  many  fine 
things  to  wear,  so  that  your  warriors  may  love  tliem. 
When  they  have  traded  all  they  wish,  then  I  will  open 
my  wiiisky,  and  the  men  can  get  drunk.  ]5ut  if  the 
men  get  drunk  lirst,your  women  will  be  afraid  of  tliem, 
and  they  will  take  all  Lhe  robes,  and  the  women  will 
get  nothing." 

"Your  words  arc  true,  my  friend,"  said  the  chief; 
"  our  women  siiall  trade  before  the  men  get  drunk ;  they 
dress  all  our  robes:  it  shall  be  according  to  your  words." 

Accordingly,  he  sent  for  all  the  women  wlio  had 
robes  and  wished  to  sell,  to  come  and  trade  with  the 
Crow.  They  were  not  long  in  obeying  the  summons. 
Forward  they  came,  some  with  one  robe  and  some  with 
two.  Two  was  the  most  that  any  of  them  had,  as  the 
men  had  reserved  the  most  to  purchase  whisky.  The 
trading  was  expeditiously  effected ;  we  did  not  have 
to  take  down  and  open  all  our  goods,  and  then  sell  a 
skein  of  thread,  and  be  informed  by  our  customer  that 
she  would  look  elsewhere  first,  and  perhaps  call  again, 
which  is  the  practice  of  many  young  ladies,  especially 
where  there  is  an  attractive  shopman.  We  could  hard- 
ly hand  out  things  fast  enough. 

T  2 


442 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OF 


We  served  all  the  women  to  their  entire  satisfaction, 
and  closed  out  our  stock  of  dry-goods.  We  then  pro- 
ceeded to  the  whisky.  Before  opening  the  kegs,  I  laid 
down  my  rules  to  the  chief.  I  told  him  that  his  peo- 
ple might  spree  as  long  as  they  ciAOse,  but  that  they 
must  not  obstruct  my  business,  or  interfere  with  me. 
As  the  liquor  was  served  out  to  them^  they  must  car- 
ry it  out  of  tlie  lodge,  and  not  stay  to  be  in  my  way 
and  give  me  trouble.  This  was  readily  assented  to, 
and  the  sales  b?gan. 

Whisky  will  have  the  same  effect  every  where,  and 
if  a  man  will  traffic  in  the  "cursed  stuff,"  he  must  sub- 
mit to  his  share  of  the  mischief  he  creates.  My  under- 
standing with  the  chief  was  productive  of  no  effect. 
He  came  into  the  lodge,  saying,  *'  I  have  killed  an 
Indian;"  I  looked,  and  saw  that  his  battle-axe  was 
dripping  with  blood.  Yells  and  tumult  increased  out- 
side ;  the  chief  was  again  making  his  way  toward  the 
lodge,  protected  by  a  host  of  friends,  while  behind  him, 
and  striving  to  get  at  him,  was  an  infuriated  throng, 
fighting  and  yelling  like  devils.  My  store  in  an  in- 
stant was  filled  to  overflowing  with  opposing  parties, 
composed  of  outlaws  from  a  dozen  tribes.  I  sprang 
to  secure  my  gun ;  and  my  companions,  mistaking  my 
movement,  supposed  I  had  started  to  run,  and  tliey 
broke  out  at  the  back  of  the  lodge,  and  did  not  stop 
until  they  reached  our  post  on  the  Platte. 

Battle-axes  and  knives  fairly  rung  through  the  lodge 
during  the  continuance  of  the  fight ;  but  it  was  over 
in  a  few  minutes,  and  they  withdrew  to  the  place  out- 
side, and  renewed  it  to  greater  advantage.  At  the  res- 
toration of  peace,  some  ghastly  wounds  were  shown  to 
me,  but,  singular  to  say,  none  of  the  belligerents  were 
killed. 


JAMES    P.    UEt'KWUUKTll. 


445 


sfaction, 
hen  pro- 
5s,  I  laid 
his  peo- 
hat  they 
(vith  me. 
(lust  car- 
my  way 
anted  to, 

here,  and 
nust  sub- 
[y  under- 
no  effect, 
killed  an 
-axe  was 
jased  out- 
)ward  the 
hind  him, 
d  throng, 
in  an  in- 
g  parties, 
I  sprang 
aking  my 
and  they 
not  stop 

the  lodge 
was  over 
place  out- 
Lt  the  res- 
shown  to 
•ents  were 


Mo-he-nes-to,  after  a  short  interval,  returned,  with- 
out having  received  a  single  scratch,  and  said  all  was 
quiet  again,  and  they  wanted  more  whisky.  The  wom- 
en wished  to  get  some  also,  he  informed  me.  1  knew 
that,  if  the  women  were  going  to  join  in,  1  must  have 
another  supply,  and  I  told  the  chief  I  had  not  enough 
left  to  get  the  women  drunk. 

"  Send  for  more,  then,"  said  he.  "  Our  women  aro 
buried  up  and  smothered  with  robes,  and  will  buy  very 
umch." 

1  soon  found  a  volunteer  to  run  to  the  post  to  carr}- 
an  order  to  Sublet  to  send  me  twenty  gallons  more  of 
whisky. 

My  assistants,  after  making  their  hasty  exit  from  the 
back  of  the  chief's  lodge,  reported  at  the  post  the  state 
of  aftairs  at  the  village  of  the  Outlaws  at  the  time  they 
left.  Guns  were  being  tired,  they  said,  and,  beyond  all 
doubt,  Beckwourth  was  killed.  No  one  dared  to  go 
and  asceicain  the  result.  Sublet  was  in  great  trouble. 
•'  I  did  my  utmost  to  prevent  his  going,"  he  consoled 
himself  by  saying,  "  but  he  went  in  opposition  to  all 
orders  and  advice  ;  so,  if  he  is  killed,  the  responsibility 
does  not  rest  upon  me." 

By-and-by  my  messenger  arrived  with  the  order  for 
more  whisky.  Sublet  took  the  letter  and  read  it. 
"Hoi"  said  he,  "Jim  is  not  dead  ^  Jt.  He  has  sent 
for  more  tire-water.  Who  will  take  it  to  him  V"  Four 
men  volunteered  for  the  errand,  and  aiTived  with  it 
next  day.  The  Indians  took  their  horses  away  from 
them,  and  they  became  alarmed ;  but  when  they  short- 
ly after  saw  me  up  to  my  neck  in  buftalo  robes,  their 
fear  subsided.  These  two  kegs  went  off  as  actively  as 
the  preceding,  and  the  robes  fairly  poured  in.  The 
whole  village  moved  on  toward  the  post,  singing,  danc- 


444 


AlJT0B10(}UArilY    UK 


ing,  and  drinking,  and,  when  I  had  approached  within 
Hve  miles,  1  had  to  send  for  two  kegs  more. 

In  siiort,  the  sixty  gallons  oljira-i cater  realized  to 
the  company  over  eleven  hundred  robes  and  eighteen 
horses,  worth  in  8t.  Louis  six  thousand  dollars. 

This  trading  whisky  for  Indian  property  is  one  of 
the  most  infernal  practices  ever  entered  into  by  man. 
Let  the  reader  sit  down  and  figure  up  the  profits  on  a 
forty-gallon  cask  of  alcohol,  and  he  will  be  thunder- 
struck, or  rather  whisky  struck.  When  disposed  of, 
four  gallons  of  water  are  added  to  each  gallon  of  alco- 
hol. In  two  hundred  gallons  there  are  sixteen  hund- 
red pints,  for  each  one  of  which  the  trader  gets  a  buf- 
falo robe  worth  five  dollars !  The  Indian  women  toil 
many  long  weeks  to  dress  these  sixteen  hundred  robes. 
The  white  trader  gets  them  all  for  worse  than  nothing, 
for  the  poor  Indian  mother  hides  herself  and  her  chil- 
dren in  the  forests  until  the  effect  of  the  poison  pass- 
es away  from  the  husbands,  fathers,  and  brothers,  who 
love  them  when  they  have  no  whisky,  and  abuse  and 
kill  tiieni  when  they  have.  Six  thousand  dollars  for 
sixty  gallons  of  alcohol !  Is  it  a  wonder  that,  with 
such  profits  in  prospect,  men  get  rich  who  are  engaged 
in  the  fur  trade  ?  or  is  it  a  miracle  that  the  poor  buflfalo 
are  becoming  gradually  exterminated,  being  killed  with 
so  little  remorse  that  their  very  hides,  among  the  In- 
dians themselves,  are  known  by  the  appellation  of  a 
pint  of  whisky  ? 

The  chief  made  me  a  gratuity  of  forty  robes.  On 
two  subse(|ucnt  visits  I  paid  him  on  his  invitation,  he 
made  me  further  presents,  until  he  had  presented  me 
with  one  hundred  and  eighty-five  robes  without  receiv- 
ing any  equivalent.  The  extent  of  his  *'  royal  munif- 
icence" seriously  alarmed  Sublet.     It  was  just  this 


JAMES    P.  BECKWOUUTH. 


445 


I  within 

ilizccl  to 
eighteen 

rs. 

s  one  of 
by  man. 
jtits  on  a 
thunder- 
posed  of, 

II  of  alco- 
jen  hund- 
ets  a  buf- 
romen  toil 
red  robes. 
11  nothing, 
i  her  chil- 
ison  pass- 
thers,  who 
abuse  and 
dollars  for 
that,  with 
re  engaged 
oor  buffalo 
killed  with 
ng  the  In- 
ation  of  a 

obes.  On 
/itation,  he 
3sented  me 
out  receiv- 
)yal  munif- 
s  just  this 


same  profuse  spirit,  he  said,  that  had  bred  disputes 
with  other  traders,  often  resulting  in  tlicir  losing  their 
lives.  It  is  as  well  a  savage  eustom  as  eivilized,  to  ex- 
pect a  commensurate  retuvn  for  any  favors  bestowed, 
and  an  Indian  is  so  punctilious  in  the  observance  of 
this  etiquette,  that  he  will  part  with  his  last  horse  and 
his  last  blanket  rather  than  receive  a  favor  without 
requital. 

Mo-he-nes-to,  without  intending  it,  was  rather  troub- 
lesome on  this  point.  When  he  became  sober  after 
these  drunken  carousals,  he  would  begin  to  reflect  se- 
riously on  things.  He  would  find  his  robes  all  gone; 
his  women's  labor — for  it  would  take  months  of  toil 
in  dressing  and  ornamenting  these  robes — thrown  un- 
profitably  away ;  his  people  had  nothing  to  show  for 
their  late  pile  of  wealth,  and  their  wants  y/ould  remain 
unsupplied.  They  would  have  no  guns  or  ammuni- 
tion to  fight  the  Crows,  who  were  always  well  sup- 
plied, and  their  whole  year's  earnings  were  squander- 
ed. These  reflections  would  naturally  make  him  dis- 
contended  and  irritable,  and  he  would  betake  himself 
to  the  post  for  reparation. 

"White  man,"  he  would  say,  "I  have  given  you 
my  robes,  which  my  warriors  have  spent  montlis  in 
hunting,  and  which  my  women  have  slaved  a  whole 
year  in  dressing ;  and  what  do  you  give  me  in  return? 
I  have  nothing.  You  give  me  fire-water,  which  makes 
me  and  my  people  mad ;  and  it  is  gone,  and  we  have 
nothing  to  hunt  more  buffalo  with,  and  to  fight  our 
enemies." 

The  generality  of  traders  will  endeavor  to  make  it 
apparent  to  him  that  there  was  a  fair  exchange  of 
commodities  effected,  and  that  he  had  the  worth  of  his 
wares,  and  they  can  do  no  more  for  him. 


446 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


This  angered  him,  and  in  his  disappointment  and 
vexation  he  would  raise  the  war-hoop,  his  warriors 
would  rush  to  him,  he  would  harangue  them  for  a 
moment,  an  assault  would  be  made  upon  the  trading- 
post,  the  goods  would  be  seized,  and,  in  many  in- 
stances, the  trader  would  be  massacred  and  scalped. 

I  saw  the  necessary  relation  between  all  these  events, 
and  knew  that  simple  justice  in  exchanges  would  avoid 
all  such  catastrophes.  I  therefore  told  Sublet  to  feel 
no  uneasiness,  as  I  could  arrange  matters  so  as  to  af- 
ford general  satisfaction. 

"  Well,"  said  he,  "  go  your  own  way  to  destruc- 
tion." 

A  day  or  two  after  this.  Sublet  came  to  inform  me 
that  Mo-he-nes-to  was  on  his  way  to  the  fort.  I  look- 
ed out,  and  saw  the  chief  and  his  wife  both  approach- 
ing on  horseback.  As  he  entered,  I  received  him  with 
great  ceremony,  taking  him  by  the  hand,  and  bidding 
him  welcome  to  the  fort.  I  had  his  horses  well  at- 
tended to,  a  sumptuous  supper  for  himself  and  wife 
served  up,  and,  while  the  meal  was  preparing,  enter- 
tained him  with  liquors  fit  to  make  any  toper's  mouth 
water.  After  supper  he  got  gloriously  fuddled,  and 
went  to  bed,  ignorant  of  what  was  passing  in  the  world 
around  him. 

In  the  morning  I  inquired  of  him  how  he  felt. 

"Wugh!     Much  bad!  head  ache  strong!" 

I  then  gave  him  another  whisky  punch,  well-flavor- 
ed with  spices ;  he  and  his  lady  drank  deeply,  and  then 
partook  of  a  hearty  breakfast.  He  then  felt  well  again. 
I  next  led  him  into  the  store,  where  we  had  a  large 
assortment  of  every  Indian  novelty.  I  knew  he  had 
children,  as  well  as  how  many ;  so  I  selected  a  five- 
striped  Hudson's  Bay  blanket  for  himself,  another  §i^ 


JAMES    P.    BECKWOURTH. 


447 


ment  and 
;  warriors 
icm  for  a 
e  trading- 
many  in- 
scalped. 
ise  events, 
ould  avoid 
)let  to  feel 
0  as  to  af- 

0  destruc- 

inform  me 
t.  I  look- 
approach- 
d  him  with 
nd  bidding 
3s  well  at- 
f  and  wife 
ring,  enter- 
>er's  mouth 
iddled,  and 
n  the  world 

e  felt. 

well-flavor- 
y,  and  then 

well  again, 
liad  a  large 
new  he  had 
icted  a  five- 

another  §sgc 


his  wife,  and  one  for  each  of  his  children,  besides  an 
extra  scarlet  blanket  for  his  eldest  son,  a  young  war- 
rior. To  Jiis  wife  I  also  gave  a  two-gallon  brass  kettle, 
and  beads  enough  to  last  her  for  a  yefr  or  two.  In 
fact,  I  selected  more  or  less  of  every  description  of  ar- 
ticle that  I  thought  would  be  useful  to  them,  or  that  I 
thought  an  Indian  eye  could  covet.  These  presents 
I  ceremoniously  laid  upon  the  counter,  until  I  had 
two  or  three  large  piles  of  quite  attractive-looking 
goods. 

The  chief  and  his  wife  had  watched  me  laying  all 
these  goods  before  them.  I  then  asked  them  if  tliey 
saw  any  thing  more  any  wliere  in  the  store  that  they 
thought  they  would  like. 

Mo-he-nes-to  opened  his  eyes  wide  with  surprise. 
"What:"  he  exclaimed,  "  are  all  those  things  for  us  ?*' 

"Yes,"  I  said,  "they  are  for  you,  your  wife,  and 
your  children— something  for  you  all.  When  I  have 
a  friend,  I  like  to  be  liberal  in  my  gifts  to  him.  I  nev- 
er rob  the  Red  Men ;  I  never  take  all  their  robes  and 
give  them  nothing-  but  whisky.  I  give  them  some- 
thing good  for  themselves,  their  wives,  and  then-  chil- 
dren. My  heart  is  big ;  I  know  what  the  Red  Men 
want,  and  what  their  families  want." 

"  My  friend,  your  heart  is  too  big ;  you  give  me 
much  more  than  I  ever  had  before ;  you  will  be  very 
poor." 

"  No,"  I  said ;  "  I  have  many  things  here,  all  mine. 
I  am  rich,  and  when  I  find  a  good  friend,  I  make  him 
rich  like  me." 

I  then  bade  him  look  the  store  cai°fuliy  tlirough,  to 
see  if  there  was  any  thing  more  that  he  would  like. 
He  looked,  but  saw  nothing  more  that  he  needed.  I 
t|pi  made  the  same  request  of  his  wife,  whose  satis- 


448 


AUToniocntAniY  of 


faction  hraiiicd  all  over  her  face,  but  ahc  too  was  fully 
su|>|)lii'(l. 

1  then  stepped  into  another  room,  and  returned  with 
a  tine  new  gun,  with  a  hundred  rounds  of  annnunition, 
and  a  new,  highly-linished,  silver-mounted  battle-axe. 
This  was  the conible de h'lcufaits.  I  thought  he  would 
not  recover  from  the  siiock.  He  took  the  battle-axe 
in  his  hand,  and  examined  it  minutely,  Iiis  face  dis- 
torted with  a  broad  grin  all  the  while. 

"JFugh!"  said  he;  *' you  give  me  too  much.  I 
gave  you  no  robes,  but  you  have  proved  that  you  are 
my  friend." 

When  they  were  ready  to  start,  there  was  an  extra 
horse  for  liim,  and  a  tine  mare  for  his  wife,  ready  wait- 
ing at  the  door. 

**  There,  my  friend,"  said  I,  "is  a  good  horse  for  you; 
he  is  swift  to  run  the  butfalo.  FTere  is  a  tine  mare  for 
you,  "  I  said  to  his  wife.  **  Indian  women  love  to  raise 
handsome  colts.  1  give  her  to  you,  and  you  must  not 
let  the  Crows  steal  her  from  you." 

She  displayed  every  tooth  in  her  head  in  token  of 
her  satisfaction,  and  she  mounted  to  return  home.  The 
chief  said  as  he  left,  "  I  am  going  on  a  war-party,  and 
then  to  kill  buffalo.  I  will  come  back  again  in  a  few 
moons.  I  will  then  come  and  see  you,  and  I  will  kill 
you — I  will  crush  you  to  death  with  robes."  And  away 
they  went,  never  better  satisfied  in  their  lives. 

Now  is  it  to  be  supposed  that  the  company  lost 
any  thing  by  this  li^jerality  ?  That  chief,  whose  hands 
were  stained  with  the  blood  of  so  many  traders,  would 
have  defended  my  life  till  the  last  gasp.  While  I  was 
in  his  country,  no  other  trader  could  have  bartered  a 
plug  of  tobacco  with  him  or  his  people.  The  com- 
pany still  derived  great  profits  from  his  trade.     Be- 


JAMKS   r.  BliCKWOUKTlI. 


44y 


was  fully 

iriicd  with 
inmnition, 
jjittlo-axc. 
t  he  would 
battle-axe 
face  dis- 

miich.     I 
at  you  are 

LS  an  extra 
cady  wait- 

'se  for  you; 
le  marc  for 
JVC  to  raise 
u  must  not 

ti  token  of 
ome.  The 
-party,  and 
lin  in  a  few 
i  I  will  kill 

And  away 
ires. 

mpany  lost 
rhose  hands 
ders,  would 
Vhile  I  was 
5  bartered  a 

The  com- 
trade.     Be- 


sides the  immense  returns  derived  from  my  transac- 
tions with  the  village,  I  cleared  over  five  Imndrcd  dol- 
lars from  my  exchanges  with  the  chief  alone,  after  the 
full  value  of  my  niuniHccnt  presents  liad  been  deducted. 

One  day  the  Cheyenne  Dog  Soldiers  were  to  have  a 
dance  and  count  their  coos.  I  called  all  the  Crows 
who  were  in  the  band,  and  asked  thcni  if  the  regula- 
tions would  admit  of  my  joining  in  the  dance. 

"  Cortaiidy,"  said  they  ;  '*  nothing  will  please  them 
more;  they  will  then  believe  that  you  have  joined 
them." 

Accordingly,  I  painted  myself,  ajid  i)ut  on  a  uniform, 
including  a  chiefs  coat,  new  from  the  shelves,  and 
painted  my  white  Icggins  willi  stripes,  denoting  a  great 
number  oicooa  ;  when  ready,  I  walked  toward  thom  as 
great  a  man  as  any.  C)n  seeing  me  apjiroach,  there 
was  a  general  inquiry,  ''  Wlio  is  that  ?  Where  did  he 
come  from?''  When  the  ceremonies  coniUicnccd,  I 
joined  in,  and  danced  as  hard  as  any  of  them.  The 
drum  at  length  sounded,  to  announce  the  time  to  begin 
to  count. 

I  stepped  forward  first,  and  began.  "  Chcyennes, 
do  you  remember  that  you  had  a  warrior  killed  at  such 
a  place,  wearing  such  and  such  marks  of  distinction  ?" 

"Yes,  we  know  it." 

"  I  killed  him  ;  he  was  a  great  brave." 

There  was  a  tap  on  the  drum,  and  one  coo  was  count- 
ed. I  proceeded  until  I  had  counted  my  five  coos^ 
which  is  the  limited  number  between  the  dances. 

Next  in  turn  the  Bob-tailed  Horse  counted  his  five 
on  the  Crows,  and  to  his  various  allusions  I  assent- 
ed with  the  customary  "  I  remember." 

This  betrayed  who  I  was,  and  they  were  delighted 
to  see  one  of  the  Dog  Soldiers  of  the  Crows  join  their 


4ij{) 


Al   I'OltKMJKAI'in     Ol 


band.  Tho  HolHtaiKHl  1  lorsc,  mmlo  inc  a  valuablo  pres- 
ent, ami  I  n'ltiriHMl  to  ilu?  ibrt  willi  nix  Hplciulid  war- 
liorsrM  and  lliirty  linr.  lobcH,  presented  to  njc  at  that 
danco,  as  my  initiation  gilts,  or  bounty-money,  I  HUp- 
poMc,  for  joining;  their  army.  I  was  tlicn  a  Dog  8oI- 
(ber  in  lh(^  picked  trooj>  ot  tlic  Cheyennes,  eompcllcd  to 
delend  the  vilhige  against  every  enemy  until  1  died,  Ukc 
Maebelh,  with  harness  on  my  baek. 

Tiie  (/rows  had  been  inlornu^d  by  sundry  perHona  in 
the  emphjy  oft  lie  Anieri«;an  Knr  (Company  that  I  Iiad 
joined  tlieir  inveterate  enennes.  'I'lu'y  were  satisliod 
with  my  proceeding.  *' 'I'he  Me(beine  C^alt'  is  a  cun- 
ning eliiet,"  tliey  said;  "he.  best  knows  liow  to  act. 
Ib^  ]ias  joined  tlie  ('lieyennes  to  h«arn  all  about  their 
numbers,  the  routes  ot*  their  villages,  and  so  forth. 
AVhen  I>e  h.Ms  learned  all  that  he  wjints,  iie  will  return 
to  us,  and  then  wa  can  light  the  (yheycnnes  to  greater 
advantage." 

I  was  now  in  my  second  winter  with  Sublet  in  the 
Cheveime  an<l  Sioux  country,  lie  had  succeeded  tar 
beyond  his  expectation,  and  he  still  (continued  to  make 
money  bv  thousands.  We  had  curtailed  the  number 
of  sub-posts,  and  thereby  materially  reduced  his  ex- 
penses ;  indeed,  they  were  now  less  than  bait'  what 
they  were  the  preceding  winter. 

Leaving  Sublet's,  I  went  down  to  the  South  Platte, 
distant  one  hundred  and  tit'ty  miles,  and  indulged  in  a 
short  rest,  until  I  heard  that  the  Cheyennes  of  the  Ar- 
kansas— those  that  I  lirst  visited — were  v.  l)out  to  make 
tlieir  s])ring  trade,  and  I  went  over  to  meet  them,  and 
bring  them  to  our  fort.  I  tbund  them  ;  all  appeared  to 
be  glad  to  see  me,  and  they  returned  witli  me.  In 
erossing  the  divide^  or  ridge  between  the  two  rivers, 
our  spies  in  advance  discovered  a  party  of  PawneeS| 


.1 A  MI'S    I'.    IJKUKWOIIUXII. 


4r,[ 


do  ])rcB- 

lid  war- 

at  that 

',  1  8U1>- 

)og  Sol- 
pel  led  to 
lied,  like 

^vHons  in 
lat  1  had 
satirtfied 
i.s  a  eun- 
,v  to  aet. 
lOUt  their 
so  forth, 
rill  return 
to  greater 

)iet  in  the 
.xeded  tar 
d  to  make 
ic  number 
xX  hia  cx- 
half  what 

ith  Platte, 
ulged  in  a 
of  the  Ar- 
ut  to  make 
them,  and 
ippearod  to 
h  me.  In 
two  rivers, 
f  Pawnees, 


and  a  charge  wa.^  imnu'diatcly  made  upon  them.  We 
only  killed  Hirer,  of  (he,  enemy.  I  eounted  a  coo  by 
eapturiiig  a  rill(^  The  victim  who  abandoned  it  had 
been  already  killed. 

While  we  engaged  the  enemy  the  village  went  into 
eamp,  and  1  proposed  to  my  fellow-warriors  to  nrturn 
to  the  village  after  the  manner  of  the  (Jrows,  which  was 
agreed  to.  'riiere  were  several  in  the  party,  so  we 
eould  easily  raise  a  good  Crow  song,  and  the  Cheyenne 
warriors  could  join  in.  We  sl/uck  up  merrily,  and  ad- 
vanced toward  the  village.  As  soon  as  the  women 
iieard  c.ir  voices,  they  ran  out  to  S(!e  wiio  were  coming. 
There  were  several  captive  (jrovvs  among  the  Chey- 
ennea,  who,  I  supposed,  had  lived  among  them  ever 
since  I  had  been  sold  to  the  whites.  These  recognized 
our  stave,  and  exclaimed,  **  Those  are  Crows  coming ; 
we  know  their  song."  This  brought  out  the  whole 
village,  who  stood  waiting  our  arrival,  in  surprise  and 
wonderment.  As  we  drew  near,  however,  they  distin- 
guished me  in  the  party,  and  the  mystery  was  solved. 
"  The  Crow  is  with  the  (^heyenncs." 

We  performed  all  kinds  of  antics ;  made  a  circuit 
round  the  village,  going  through  evolutions  and  per- 
formances which  the  Cheycnncs  had  never  before  seen, 
but  with  which  they  were  so  highly  pleased,  that  they 
adopted  the  dance  into  the  celebrations  of  their  nation. 
That  night  the  scalp-dance  was  performed,  which  1  took 
part  in,  as  great  a  man  as  any.  I  sung  the  Crow  song, 
to  the  especial  admiration  of  the  fair  sex. 

The  next  morning  we  resumed  our  journey  to  the  fort, 
which  we  reached  after  three  days'  travel.  The  vil- 
lage had  brought  a  great  number  of  robes,  together  with 
some  beaver,  and  a  great  trade  was  opened  witli  them. 

A."  this  time  T  had  a  difficulty  with  a  Cheyenne, 


acM 


452 


ArnnnoanArirv  ov 


tho  only  Olio  1  over  hu<l  with  any  of  tlio  trilx!.  1  was 
oatiiig  dinner  one  day,  when  a  great  brave  came  in  and 
detnantkul  wliisky.  I  repaired  to  tlic  Htore  willi  him 
to  supply  his  want,  wlien  1  found  he  had  no  robe  to  pay 
for  it,  and  was,  besides,  intoxiaited.  1  refused  to  give 
liim  tlie  whisky,  lelling  him  lie  must  tirst  go  and  bring 
a  robe.  Tiiis  probably  aggravated  liim,  and  he  made 
n  smUlen  eut  at  me  willi  liis  sword,  whieli  1  very  for- 
tunately dodged,  and  before  lie  eould  raise  his  weapon 
again  1  had  him  between  my  feet  on  the  ground.  I 
had  left  my  battle-axe  on  my  seat  at  the  table,  and  I 
called  out  for  sonic  one  to  bring  it  to  mc,  but  no  one 
came  with  it.  I  at  length  released  him,  and  he  went 
jjoop^Mg  away,  to  obtain  his  gun  to  shoot  the  Crow. 
1  seized  my  own,  and  waited  ibr  him  at  the  door,  while 
all  the  inmates  of  the  fort  begged  of  me  not  to  shoot 
him.  After  some  little  delay,  he  appeared,  gun  in 
hand ;  but  three  Cheyenne  warriors  interfered  to  stop 
liim,  and  he  returned  into  his  lodge. 

The  day  Ibllowing  he  sent  for  Sublet  and  myself  to 
go  and  dine  with  him,  and  we  went  accordingly.  Su- 
blet was  aj)])rehensivc  of  mischief  from  my  visit,  and 
endeavored  to  dissmide  me  from  going ;  but  I  foresaw 
no  danger,  and  knew,  farther,  that  it  would  be  a  cause 
of  oUcnse  to  the  Indian  to  neglect  his  invitation.  When 
we  entered  his  lodge  he  was  glad  to  see  us,  and  bade 
me  be  seated  on  a  pile  of  robes.  I  sat  down  as  de- 
sired, and  our  host,  after  holding  a  short  conversation 
with  Sublet,  turned  to  me  and  spoke  as  follows : 

*'  O-tun-nee"  (Crow),  **  1  was  a  fool  yesterday.  You 
spared  my  life.  1  do  not  want  you  to  he  angry  with 
me,  because  I  am  not  angry  with  you.  I  was  drunk  ; 
I  had  drunk  too  tnuch  of  your  whisky,  and  it  made  my 
heart  black.     I  did  not  know  what  I  was  doing.'* 


.IAMK8    r.   UKCKWOURTH. 


4.53 


1  was 
I  ill  and 
ith  liiin 
Li  to  pay 
I  to  give 
\\d  bring 
lie  niadc 
v'cry  for- 
,  weapon 
)und.     I 
Ic,  and  I 
it  no  one 

he  went 
lie  Crow. 
3or,  while 
;  to  shoot 
1,  gun  in 
^d  to  stop 

myself  to 
igly.     Su- 
visit,  and 
I  foresaw 
be  a  cause 
3Ti.    When 
,,  and  bade 
)wn  as  de- 
)nversation 

lows: 

rday.  You 
angry  with 
was  drunk ; 
it  made  my 
doing."     • 


"Very  well,"  said  I  ;  "  I  am  not  angry  with  yon. 
When  you  attcmptivl  to  kill  nu-  I  waH  »"Jgry,  and  it' 
my  battle-axe  liad  Itccii  in  my  liand,  I  Hiiould  have, 
killed  you.      Vou  arc.  alive,  and  1  am  glad  of  it.*' 

"  Take  those  robes,"  he.  rejoined,  "  and  hereafter  you 
shall  l)e  my  l>rotln'r,  and  I  will  b(^  your  brother.  Those 
robes  will  make  your  lu^art  right,  and  we  will  quarrel 
no  more." 

1  t<K)k  the  robes  with  me,  ten  in  number,  and  tbund 
my  heart  perfectly  mollified. 

Messrs.  Sublet  and  Vas(jues,  having  realized  immense 
proiits  during  their  tiiree  years  of  partnership,  disposed 
of  all  their  interest  and  effects  in  tlu^  Itocky  Mountain 
fur  business,  and  returned  to  St.  Louis.  This  threw 
me  entirely  out  of  business,  when  Messrs.  lient  and 
Saverine  wished  to  engage  me  in  their  employ.  After 
some  little  negotiation  with  them,  1  concluded  a  bar- 
gain, and  entered  into  their  service  in  the  latter  part 
of  the  summer  of  1840.  We  immediately  proceeded 
to  establish  sub-posts  in  various  directions,  and  I  re- 
paired to  Laramie  Fork. 

As  soon  as  it  was  known  among  the  Indians  that 
the  Crow  was  trading  at  Bent's  post,  they  came  flock- 
ing in  with  their  robes.  Old  Smoke,  the  head  chief 
of  another  band  of  Outlaws,  known  as  Smoke's  l?and, 
but  claimed  by  no  particular  nation  or  tribe,  visited 
me,  with  his  village,  and  commenced  a  great  spree.  I 
gave  them  a  grand  entertainment,  which  seemed  to 
tickle  their  tastes  highly.  They  kept  up  their  carou- 
sal until  they  had  parted  with  two  thousand  robes,  and 
had  no  more  remaining.  They  then  demanded  whis- 
ky, and  I  refused  it.  '*  No  trust,"  the  motto  we  see 
inscribed  on  every  low  drinking-saloon  in  St.  Louis, 
is  equally  our  system  in  dealing  with  the  Indians. 


4r»4 


Al   roillOUKAI'IIY    0|- 


Tlioy  Immmiiip  inriiriiittMl  at  my  n<riiMiil,  niid  clnninrrtl 
iwul  llii-(*u(('ii(<(l  it'  I  |)(>rsiMl(Ml.  I  knew  it  wiih  iio  iisr 
to  ^ivr  way,  ho  I  adluM'iMl  to  my  rcMoliitioii.  Tlicrr- 
iipoii  tliov  i'ommnicrd  liriii;j;  ii]>oii  tli«^  ntorc,  and  mIiow- 
vrvi\  the  ImllrtM  tlirou^li  evt-ry  aMMaihiltIr  ]»oint.  Tlic 
wiiulows  yyvYO,  nliot  nitircly  out,  and  tin'  aHHailaiitM 
Hworo  vnigcaiirc  agaiiiMt  tlu'l  'row.  Arrordin^  to  tlu'ir 
talk,  I  liad  my  rlioi««'  «'i(lirr  to  die  or  ^ivc  tlicm  wImh- 
ky  to  drink.  i  iiad  Itnt  ono  man  with  nur  in  tia^  Htorr. 
Thrrr  had  hctii  m^vcral  (^anadiann  in  tin;  tort,  Imt  on 
tho  tirst  alarm  ihvy  ran  to  their  houseM,  wliich  wen- 
Iniilt  aronnd  tlu'l  tort,  within  the  pieketn,  to  obtain  their 
guns;  hut  on  the  Indians  informing  them  that  they 
would  not  hurt  them,  that  it.  was  only  llu^  (*row  that, 
they  were  after,  the  (\ni<i<ii(t?>,s  Htaid  within  doors,  and 
abandoned  me  to  my  t'at(*. 

1  and  my  eompanion  sat  with  our  rifles  ready  eock- 
ed,  well  prepared  to  defend  the  entrance  to  the  fort. 
We  had  plenty  of  guns  at  hand  ready  loaded,  and  then? 
nnist  u  few  have  fallen  U't'ore  they  passtMl  tlu^  gate. 
At  dusk  I  closed  the  door,  but  we  lay  upon  our  anus 
all  night.  The  Indians  kept  up  a  great  tunudt  and 
pother,  but  attempted  nothing. 

ISlcaars.  lieiit  and  Savcrinc  arrived  in  the  morning, 
and  wanted  to  be  informed  of  the  cause  of  the,  disturb- 
ance. I  acquainted  them,  and  they  aj)provcd  my  con- 
duct. They  were  astonished  at  my  immense  pile  of 
robes,  and  applauded  my  fortitude. 

When  the  Dutlawa  became  sobered,  they  express- 
ed contrition  for  what  they  had  done,  and  charged  their 
excesses  upon  John  Bjirleycorn,  which  plea  I  admitted. 
At  the  same  time,  it  appeared  quite  inconsistent  that  I, 
who  was  that  celebrated  gentleman's  high-priest,  should 
be  set  upon  and  almost  murdered  by  his  devotees. 


.lAMKS    I'.   lIKdKWOnnil. 


4r>r> 


iiniorcMl 
il  h1u)W- 

I.       Tl.r 

*Hailantrt 
;  to  tiM'ir 
in  wliiw- 
|)i>  Htorr.. 
I,  Imt  on 
ioli  worr 
lain  tlu'ir 
hat  lluy 
Irow  llial 
ooiB,  aiul 

luly  cock- 

tiio  tort. 

and  then'. 

tlic  patv. 

o\ir  arniH 
uniilt  an«l 

1  morning, 
ic  disturl)- 
id  my  con- 
isc  pile  of 

y  expresa- 
argcd  tlicir 
I  admitted, 
tent  that  1, 
icst,  should 
evotees. 


Notliing  noteworthy  ocMMirrod  until  thn  following 
.IniMiarv,  wlini  tlu^  IndianM,  being  again  on  tlio  Nprro, 
onc(^  inoro  attempted  my  lite.  I  lied  to  a  post  in  the, 
Arrap-a-ho  (country,  in  ehargii  of  Mr.  Alex.  VVharfieM, 
now  a  eoloiud  in  the  army;  he  renigned  the  poHt  to  me, 
and  took  my  plaee  at  iient^H  post.  I  had  hut  littlo 
trouble  with  the  IndiaiiH  here,  ('ut  Noh(%  an  old  brave, 
who,  it  H(*emH,  Iwul  betm  in  the  hai)it  of  obtaining  bin 
dranjM  of  VV^Iiarliehl  gratis,  expi'.eted  to  \)o.  HUp|)lied  by 
me  on  the  Ham<^  terniM.  I  reHintcMl  thin  inva.sion,  and 
Heriounly  ruUled  the  feather.s  of  the  old  chief  thereby. 
lie  left  at  my  refuHal,  and  did  not  n^turn  again  that 
«lay.  During  the  euHuing  night  the  I'awneeH  (;amc, 
and  Htolu  both  bin  horH(;H  and  mine.  'J'he  old  man 
rained  a  party,  went  in  pursuit,  recaptured  all  th<; 
liorHCfl,  took  two  HcalpH,  and  returned  in  high  Kpiritn. 

lie  visited  the  stons  and  informed  mc  what  In;  liad 
done. 

"Well,"  said  I,  "that  is  because  I  gave  you  no 
whisky  yesterday.  If  I  had  given  you  whisky,  you 
would  have  drunk  too  much,  and  been  sick  this  morn- 
ing in  consecjuenee.  Then  you  would  not  have  been 
able  to  pursue  the  Pawnees,  and  you  would  have  lost 
your  horses." 

However,  I  gave  him  some  whisky  then  in  honor  of 
his  achievement.  This,  as  I  had  expected,  pleased  the 
old  fellow,  and  he  restored  mc  my  horses,  and  charged 
mc  nothing  for  their  recapture. 

As  soon  as  the  spring  trade  was  over,  I  abandoned 
that  post  and  returned  to  the  Arkansas.  Saverinc  de- 
sired me  to  go  and  sec  if  I  could  open  a  trade  with  a 
village  of  Arrap-a-hos  which  he  had  heard  was  en- 
camped at  forty  miles  distance.  I  accordingly  started 
in  their  direction,  accompanied  by  two  men.    We  jour- 


456 


AUTOBIOORAPUY   UF 


neyed  on  until  \vc  had  arrived  witiiin  a  short  distance 
of  the  vilhigc,  when  we  discovered  on  our  road  a  band 
of  three  or  four  hundred  traveling  Indians.  I  saw 
they  were  Canianches,  and  I  bade  the  two  men  to  run 
for  their  lives,  as  I  knew  the  Canianches  would  kill 
them.  I  directed  them  to  the  ArrajD-a-ho  village,  and 
bade  them  shout  their  loudest  when  they  came  in  sight 
of  it.  They  left  me,  and  ascended  a  slight  eminence 
a  little  distance  in  advance,  and  then,  shouting  to  the 
extent  of  their  lungs,  they  put  their  horses  down  at 
the  best  speed.  I  rode  up  after  them,  and  telegraphed 
with  my  blanket  to  tlic  village  to  have  them  come 
quickly.  They  obeyed  my  motions,  and  fell  in  with 
the  Camanches  on  their  way  to  me.  The  two  tribes 
proved  to  be  friends,  and  my  com.panions  were  safe. 

On  arriving  at  the  village  I  found  abundance  of 
robes,  and  opened  a  very  successful  trade  with  the  peo- 
l)le.  This  finished,  I  returned  to  the  fort,  and  assist- 
ed the  other  employes  in  loading  the  wagons  for  their 
trip  to  St.  Louis. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

First  Trip  to  New  Mexico. — Return  to  the  Indians  with  Goods. — Suc- 
cess in  Trade. — Enter  into  Business  in  St.  Fernandez. — Get  Mar- 
ried.— Return  to  the  Indians. — The  fortunate  Speculation. — Proceed 
to  California  with  Goods. 

I  HAD  now  accumulated  a  considerable  sum  of  money, 
and  thought  I  might  as  well  put  it  to  some  use  for  my 
own  profit,  as  risk  my  life  in  the  service  of  others, 
while  they  derived  the  lion's  share  from  my  industry. 
It  was  now  about  three  years  since  I  had  left  St.  Louis 
on  my  present  excursion,  and  I  began  to  weary  of  the 


JAME8    r.  BECKWOl'RTH. 


457 


istance 
a  band 
I  saw 
I  to  run 
lid  kill 
ige,  and 
in  sight 
minence 
cr  to  the 
lown  at 
igraphcd 
im  come 
[  in  with 
vo  tribes 
e  safe, 
dance  of 
I  the  peo- 
id  assist- 
j  for  theu: 


3ood8.— Suc- 
z, — Get  Mar- 
ion.— Proceed 


n  of  money, 
use  for  my 
J  of  others, 
y  industry, 
■ft  St.  Louis 
veary  of  the 


7nonotony  of  my  life.  I  was  within  live  days'  jour- 
ney of  New  Mexico,  and  I  determined  upon  going  to 
take  a  look  at  the  northern  portion  of  this  unbounded 
territory. 

I  had  but  one  man  with  me,  named  Charles  Towne, 
when  I  started  upon  my  new  exploration.  On  our 
road  thither  we  passed  near  to  a  Utah  village,  and  two 
or  three  of  their  warriors  presented  themselves  before 
us  to  hold  a  parley,  while  the  chief  sat  down  on  a  log 
close  by.  ^i'hcy  said,  as  we  reined  in  our  horses  for  a 
moment,  *'  You  make  our  paths  bad  by  coming  into 
our  country  ;  you  will  go  back  and  tell  the  Cheyennes 
and  Arrap-a-hos  wliere  we  are ;  they  will  then  come 
and  kill  us,  and  steal  our  horses.  Come  here  I  our 
chief  wants  to  see  you." 

This  was  spoken  in  tolerably  good  Spanish. 

"  Come  on,"  said  I,  addressing  my  companion;  "'-  let 
us  not  be  annoyed  by  these  trilling  Indians;*'  and  I 
urged  my  horse  against  the  Indian  spokesman,  knock- 
ing him  into  the  dirt.  lie  arose,  exclaiming,  "•  Wughl 
Shawnee  I"  We  then  rode  on  without  further  moles- 
tation, they  evidently  mistaking  me  for  a  Shawnee. 
They  had  robbed  several  white  men,  and,  after  beating 
them  savagely,  had  liberated  them.  I  had  no  manner 
of  fear  of  them,  for  I  knew  them  to  be  great  cowards ; 
with  one  hundred  and  fifty  good  Crow  warriors  I  would 
have  chased  a  thousand  of  them. 

We  passed  on  into  St.  Fernandez,  and  found  quite 
a  number  of  American  traders  there,  established  in  bus- 
iness, and  supplying  both  mountaineers  and  Indians 
with  goods.  Here  I  encountered  an  old  acquaintance, 
named  Lee,  with  whom  I  entered  into  partnership.  We 
purchased  one  hundred  gallons  of  alcohol,  and  a  stock 
of  fancy  articles,  to  return  to  the  Indian  country,  and 

u 


458 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


tra(l(^  lor  robes  and  other  peltry,  Wc  visited  the  Chey- 
ennes  on  the  South  Fork  of  the  Platte.  We  passed 
Bent's  fort  on  our  way  thither.  He  hailed  us,  and  in- 
quired where  we  were  going.  I  informed  him  that  wc 
were  on  our  way  to  the  Cheyenne  village.  He  begged 
nie  not  to  go,  as  I  valuec"  my  safety.  It  was  only  the 
day  previous,  he  said,  that  he  had  traded  with  them, 
and  bought  eighteen  liorses  from  their  village.  They 
came  the  next  morning  and  took  them  forcibly  back, 
and  threatened  him  with  their  guns  if  he  said  a  word 
against  their  proceedings.  I  replied  to  him  that  I  a- 
ticipated  no  danger,  and  left  him  to  pass  on  to  tiieir 
village. 

The  Indians  were  delighted  at  my  arrival.  I  had 
lieard  that  the  hooping-cough  was  very  prevalent  among 
tlie  children,  and,  as  we  happened  to  have  several 
bushels  of  com,  and  beans,  and  a  large  quantity  of 
dried  pumpkins,  we  could  not  have  come  at  a  more  op- 
portune moment.  I  told  tht;  Indians,  in  answer  to 
their  welcome,  that  I  had  come  back  to  see  them  be- 
cause I  had  heard  their  children  were  all  sick.  I  call- 
ed attention  to  my  stock  of  vegetable  esculents,  as  be- 
ing best  adapted  for  food  for  their  children,  and  i;he 
best  calculated  to  restore  them  to  health.  "  Besides," 
I  added,  "  I  have  brought  a  little  whisky  along,  to  put 
good  life  into  your  hearts." 

They  were  then  in  tlieir  sobered  feelings,  which  will 
return  to  them  after  their  carousals,  and  which  pre- 
sent so  dangerous  a  time  to  the  trader.  Their  horses 
were  all  away,  their  robes  were  gone,  and  they  had 
nothing  to  show  in  return  for  them.  Their  children 
were  sick  and  dying,  their  wives  mourning  and  half 
distracted,  and  they  could  obtain  nothitig  at  the  fort  to 
alleviate  their  sufferings.    I  could  understand  the  whole 


JAMKS    1*.    JJECKWOURTII. 


459 


5  Chey- 

passcd 

and  in- 

that  -wc 

begged 

only  the 

li  them, 

,     They 

ly  back, 

1  a  word 

hati    a- 

to  then- 

..     I  had 

nt  among 
c    several 
antity  of 
I  more  op- 
answer  to 
them  be- 
[c.     I  call- 
;nts,  as  be- 
n,  and  i:he 
'  Besides," 
ong,  to  put 

,  which  will 
which  pre- 
'heir  horses 
d  they  had 
Lcir  children 
ng  and  halt' 
it  the  fort  to 
lid  the  whole 


corollary  of  incidents.  Like  their  intemperate  white 
brethren,  who  will  occasionally  rovie^v  matters  after  a 
prolonged  spree,  and  who  will  sec  the  ellects  of  their 
dissipation  in  their  desolate  homes,  their  heart-broken 
wives,  and  their  ragged  and  starving  children,  what 
are  their  feelings  at  such  a  contemplation  ?  Un([ues- 
tionably  hostility  against  the  cause  of  this  destitution, 
whether  they  recognize  it  in  themselves,  the  willing 
instruments,  or  the  liquor  that  infatuated  them,  or  the 
dealer  that  supplied  it  to  them.  The  Indians  seem  to 
have  one  circle  of  reasoning,  ai.d  invariably  vent  their 
spleen  upon  the  trader.  It  was  this  reactionary  feel- 
ing that  had  led  the  Indians  to  recover,  by  force  of 
arms,  the  horses  they  had  parted  with  previously.  1 
knew  better  how  to  manage  them. 

I  deposited  my  goods  at  Old  Bark's  lodge,  who  felt 
highly  honored  with  the  trust.  The  villagers  collect- 
ed round,  and  a  disj)ute  arose  among  them  whether  the 
whisky  should  be  broached  or  not.  Porcuj)inc  Bear 
objected,  and  Bob-tailed  Horse,  his  brother-in-law, 
strongly  advocated  my  opening  the  kegs.  This  led  to 
a  warm  altercation  between  the  two  warriors,  until  the 
disputed  question  was  to  be  decided  by  the  arbitrament 
of  battle.  They  both  left  the  lodge  to  prepare  for  the 
combat,  and  returned  in  a  few  minutes  fully  armed  and 
equipped. 

Porcupine  Bear  argued  his  cause  in  the  following 
strain :  '*  Cheyennes,  look  at  me,  and  listen  well  to  my 
Avords.  I  am  now  about  to  fight  my  brother ;  I  shall 
light  him,  and  shall  kill  him  if  I  can.  In  doing  this, 
1  do  not  fight  my  brother,  but  I  fight  the  greatest  en- 
(>my  of  my  people. 

"  Once  we  were  a  great  and  powerful  nation :  our 
hearts  were  proud,  and  our  arms  were  strong.     But  a 


tc.o 


Ar'ntiiinoKAriiv  or 


Irw    uiuNmm   nj»;o  nil    o 


(lirr  Iriln'M   Uvirrd   iim  ;   now   fli 


I 


iMVHrrf<    <l.'ilo    lo    noMM   our 


liiliil 


iiiir-frioniulM,  mihI  ki 


our  IhiHmIo.  (Mho  \\c  tonld  lirnt  (lir  (*ro\vH,  find,  iin 
jmN'd,  doslroyod  iImmt  villnjM's  ;  now  \\v  mil  (MImt  vil- 
\:\\ro»  lo  our  MfMiHlMncr,  nml  we  cnn  no!  c^'l'md  our- 
Mrl\("4  iVoni  tlu«  jiMMnnllH  of  ihr  «>nrni\.  How  \h  lliin, 
i 'l«('\  rnnr;^  V  'I'lio  ( 'n»wM  drink  no  wliiMkv.  Tin' t>iirn- 
iiijVM  o('lli(Mr  linnliMM  jind  IojIm  o(  llicir  wonirn  twv  Imr- 
(iMrd  lo  ili(>  wliif<^  innn  lor  w<<{i|)onM  and  nnininnition. 
Tins  krr|)M  tiinn  )i(»W('iriil  and  drradcil  |»v  llirir  oik*- 
mu's.  NN  r  kill  Itiillalo  liv  llir  tlioiiMand  :  onr  uttniniH 
liandM  avo  mo|(>  vmIi  diTMsiiit;  tin*  ioIm's  ;  and  wlial  do 
wo  \y,\vi  Willi  lIuMii  lo  i\w  wliilt'  (lad-r  lor  Y  Wo  puy 
lIuMii  lor  I  ho  wliilo  nian's  lirr-walci.  wliirli  InriiM  oiir 
l»rain:<  ii|)s'd«»  down,  winrli  niakos  oiii  lirarln  Mack,  and 
rnid«MM  onr  arms  woak.  Il  lakos  awa\  onr  warriors' 
skill,  and  iiiak»'M  iIumii  sliool  wroiii:;  in  lialllr.  (  )nr  cn- 
oinios,  who  drink  no  whisk>,  wlion  llicv  Mlio«tJ,  always 
k 


ill  llioir  loo 


Wo  I 


ia\('  no  ainniiiinlion  lo  oiioonnlor 


onr  loos,  .-nu 


1  w.»  I 


lavo  luH'oiiio  as  (loos,  wiin 


mo*  bnf  llioir  loiMli. 


.g.^ 


•hi 


iav(<  noil  I 


III 


(>i 


nr  prairios  wi 


w  onoo  oovon'd  wllh  horsos  as  I  In 


livos  .'iro  oovon'tl  wilh  loavos.  W'lioro  aro  llioy  now? 
Ask  iho  (^ows.  who  drink  no  whisky.  \\  lion  wo  arc 
all  ihnnk,  ihov  ooiiio  and  lako  llioiii  iVom  liolon*  onr 
oyos  :  t>iir  Iou;s  aiv  holploss,  ami  wo  «'an  nol  I'ollow  llioiii. 
Wo  aro  onlv  loarlnl  lo  our  woinon,  who  tako  np  ihoir 


^hihli 


d  Ih 


ron  and  oonooal  llionis<Mv«\s  among  llio  rooks  an« 


th 


'k 


.1 


\\\ 


fho   1 


"orosl.  tor  wo    aro  wolvj's    in    our 


lodg 


roH :  wo 


s;rowl  at  thorn  liko  hoars  wlion  thoy  aro  lamishinp 
i.)ur  ohildroM  aro  now  siok,  and  our  woiikmi  aro  weak 
with  watoiiinL:.  Lot  us  n*)!  soaro  tlioni  away  tVoin  our 
lodiTOs*.  >yiih  tiioir  siok  ohildron  in  thoir  arms.  'I'ln- 
CiiWHt  Spirit  will  l>c  olVondcd  at  it.      I  had  rather  go  to 


JAMI.H    I*.    l»l',«'K\V<Mimi. 


4(il 


nnl  Kill 
ii\<l.  III) 
Wv  vil 
nil  <»uv 
\n  tliin, 
Ih'  nun- 
m<'  l»n- 
lunitioii. 
lu'ir  «MM'- 

what  «lo 

huuM  our 

lli'.cU,  MM<I 

wnnioiH' 

( )ur  r\\- 

^^\,  nlwMVH 

j'UfOUUttT 

lijivt'  uolli 

,vs«*s  Mf*  <!"' 

ll\(<y  now  V 

lu'u  wo  avr 

lu'lovt'   o\\y 

iko  u|)  tlu'ir 
c  lorks  ami 
lodp'H;  \v»' 
'  t'anuHliinp;. 
iM\  avo  wt'aK 

,ay  I''**'"  ^*''* 
anus.  '1'!"' 
rather  go  to 


flir  grcal  ami  liM|»jty  iiimliiijii-j^rouiMl  ?io\v  tlinii  livr  nml 
Hvr  tlio  ilowiiiall  (il  my  nntioii.  nin-  lircM  tn^^iii  (<» 
imni  «lim,  and  will  houii  }!;o  mil  nilinly.  My  |tr(»|ilr 
aro  iMTomini^  lilu*  llio  Pjiwihm-.m:  liny  liny  tin-  wiiiMky 
ot'llio  (ra<l«<{',  ati<l,  Ix'raiiMc  lio  in  weak  and  not.  nlilr  to 
lij^";!!!  lliom,  llioy  fn>  and  ntral  iVom  Imh  lnd}.^o. 

*'  I  Hay,  Id  UH  huy  of  tlio  ('row  what  in  nHrl'nl  /irnl 
|>;ood,  ImiI  liis  wiiinky  wo  will  nut  (<in<-|i  ;  Irl  liim  tako 
tlial  away  willi  liim.  i  liavo  Hpokcn  all  I  liavr  toHay, 
and  ir  my  IhuIIioi'  wiMlioH  In  kill  mo  iur  il,  i  am  ready 
lo  di«\  I  will  i^'o  and  nil  willi  my  lallirrM  in  llio  Hpir- 
il  land,  wlioro  ]  shall  noun  poinl  down  lo  llir  lasl  ox- 
pirini!;  liro  ol"  llir  ('iH'yoimoM,  and  wlion  liioy  iiMpiir*' 
llio  ranno  ol'  lliin  dorlino  of  llioir  |ioo|)|r,  I  will  1)11  llicm 
will)  M  Hlrai^lil  lonj^no  llial  il  wan  llio  liro,-wul(  r  of  llio 
Irador  llial  |miI  il  onl/* 

OhI  hark  llion  advan'cd  |»rlwo«n  llio  Iwo  l»olli{.'oi- 
«'nl.^  and  ihns  spoko:  '' ( 'lu'ycnnoM,  I  am  your  |.!;r<al 
(■liiof;  you  know  m<'.  My  word  IITim  <lay  nliall  ho 
oIh'\«mI.  Tho,  ('row  liaH  oomo  ainonf^  uh  a{i;ain,  and 
lias  hron^hl  iim  }:;<M)d  lliin^s  that  wo  nocd  ;  lir  lias  also 
liron<;hl  \\h  a  litllo.  wliisky.  Mo  Ih  poor,  wliilo,  wo  aro 
vol  .Htronji;,  and  wo  will  huy  all  lio,  lias  hroii^lil  willi 
liim.  'riiis  day  wo.  will  drink  ;  it  will  mako  mm  m<r- 
rv,  .and  i'rcl  ^ooi\  to  one  anothor.  Wo  will  all  drink 
this  onoo,  hut  W(^  will  not  act  liko  IooIm  ;  wo  will  not 
<piarrol  aiul  light,  and  iVighton  our  women  and  ohil- 
dron.      Now,  warriorn,  give  mo  your  weapons." 

'I'liis  tint  admitted  no  appeal;  it  was  law  and  goM- 
pol  to  luM  p<'oj)lo  ;  disohodionoe  to  his  command  Hiih- 
jt'otod  the  oU'eiidor  to  immodialo  death  at  tho  hands  ot 
tlio,  l)o<i;  Soldiers.  Tho.  warriors  dolivon^d  up  tlioir  hat- 
tlo-axoB,  and  tho  old  ohiorhaiidod  tliom  to  mo.  "( !row," 
said  ho,  "tako.  thcBo.  weapoim  that  I  have  taken  from 


402 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OP 


my  two  children.  Keep  them  until  we  have  drunk  up 
your  whisky,  and  let  no  one  have  them  till  I  bid  you. 
Now,  Crow,  we  are  ready." 

Slim  Face  and  Gray  Head,  two  Dog  Soldiers,  then 
liarangued  the  village,  and  desired  all  wlio  wished  to 
trade  to  come  and  bring  tlieir  robes  and  horses  to  Old 
Bark's  lodge,  and  to  remember  that  they  were  trading 
with  tlie  honest  Crow,  and  not  with  white  men,  and 
lliat  what  they  paid  him  was  his. 

Tliey  answered  the  summons  in  flocks,  the  women 
first,  according  to  my  established  rule.  My  com, 
beans,  and  pumpkins  *'  exhaled  like  the  dew,"  and  I 
received  in  exchange  their  beautiful  fancy  robes.  The 
women  served,  the  men  next  came  in  for  whisky.  I 
sold  on  credit  to  some.  When  one  wanted  thus  to 
deal,  he  would  tell  me  what  kind  of  a  horse  or  mule 
lie  had :  I  would  appeal  to  Old  Bark  for  confirmation 
of  the  statement ;  if  he  verified  it,  I  served  the  liquor. 
They  all  got  drunk.  Porcupine  Bear,  the  temperance 
orator,  witli  the  rest ;  but  there  was  not  a  single  fight ; 
all  passed  off  harmoniously. 

I  received  over  four  hundred  splendid  robes,  besides 
moccasins  and  fancy  articles.  When  I  was  ready  to 
leave,  thirty-eight  horses  and  mules,  a  number  corre- 
sponding to  what  I  had  marked,  were  brought  forward. 
I  packed  up  my  peltry,  and  sent  my  partner  on  in  ad- 
vance witli  every  thing  except  the  horse  I  rode,  telling 
him  I  would  overtake  him  shortly. 

I  had  reserved  a  five-gallon  keg  of  whisky  unknown 
to  all,  and  when  about  to  start  I  produced  it  and  pre- 
sented it  to  the  crowd.  They  were  charmed,  and  in- 
sisted on  making  me  a  return.  They  brought  m(> 
over  forty  of  tlieir  finest  robes,  such  as  the  young 
squaws  finish  with  immense  labor  to  present  to  tlioir 


JAMES   P.   BECKWOURTH. 


46a 


ank  up 
id  you. 

TS,  then 
ished  to 

to  Old 

trading 
aen,  and 

e  women 
ly  com, 
r,"  and  I 
,es.  The 
lisky.  I 
1  thus  to 
3  or  mule 
nfirmation 
he  liquor, 
emperance 
igle  fight ; 

es,  besides 
IS  ready  to 
tiber  corre- 
ct forward. 
;r  on  in  ad- 
ode,  telling 

y  unknown 
it  and  pre- 
led,  and  in- 
brought  mo 
the  young 
jent  to  their 


lovers.  Old  Bark  gave  me  a  good  mule  to  pack  them, 
and  another  chief  gave  me  a  second.  I  then  took  my 
leave,  promising  to  return  by  Leaf  Fall. 

When  I  passed  Bent  at  his  post  he  was  perfectly 
confounded.  He  had  seen  one  train  pass  belonging 
to  me,  and  now  I  was  conducting  another,  when,  at 
the  same  time,  he  had  supposed  that  there  was  not  a 
robe  in  the  village.  " 

"  Beckwourth,"  said  he,  "  how  you  manage  Indians 
as  you  do  beats  my  understanding." 

I  told  him  that  it  was  easily  accounted  for;  that 
the  Indians  knew  that  the  whites  cheated  them,  and 
know  that  tliey  could  beHeve  what  I  said.  Besides 
that,  they  naturally  felt  superior  confidence  in  me  on 
ac(;ount  of  my  supposed  affinity  of  race.  I  had  lived 
so  much  among  them  that  I  could  enter  into  their  feel- 
ings, and  be  in  every  respect  one  of  themselves :  this 
was  an  inducement  which  no  acknowledged  white 
trader  could  ever  hope  to  hold  out. 

I  rode  on,  and  overtook  my  partner  in  advance.  He 
had  had  an  adventure.  A  party  of  Cheyennes,  led  by 
a  chief  named  Three  Crows,  had  met  him,  and  rifled 
him  of  a  three-gallon  keg  of  whisky,  which  we  had  re- 
served for  our  own  use  on  our  way  to  St.  Fernandez. 
The  chief  stopped  him,  and  said,  "  I  smell  whisky,  and 
we  must  have  some." 

My  partner  told  him  that  he  had  none. 

"  Wugh  I  my  nose  don't  lie,  but  your  tongue  does. 
I  smell  it  strong,  and,  if  you  do  not  hand  it  out,  we 
.shall  unpack  all  your  horses  and  find  it." 

"  Well,"  said  the  man,  *'  I  have  a  little,  but  it  be- 
longs to  the  Crow,  and  he  wants  it  himself." 

"  Give  it  me,"  said  the  chief,  "  and  tell  him  tliat 
Three  Crows  took  it." 


4(J4 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OF 


There  was  no  alternative,  and  lie  gave  him  the  keg. 
They  carried  it  along  until  they  came  to  a  creek,  where 
they  sat  down  and  had  a  joUilicaiion.  I  passed  them 
while  they  were  in  the  midst  of  it,  bnt  did  not  sec 
them,  altliough  they  saw  me.  When  I  met  the  chief 
some  time  subsequently,  and  charged  him  with  the  lar- 
ceny, he  gave  me  ten  robes  and  a  good  horse  to  com- 
pound tlie  felony. 

We  shot  several  buffalo  on  our  way,  enough  to  load 
all  our  horses  witli  meat  and  tallow.  We  exchanged 
our  effects  in  Santa  Fe  for  goods,  and  carried  them  to 
St.  Fernandez,  a  distance  of  sixty  miles.  Here  we  es- 
tablished a  store  as  ow  head-quarters  for  the  Indian 
trade,  where  I  resided  some  time,  living  very  fast  and 
happily,  according  to  tnc  manner  of  the  inhabitants. 
Among  other  doings,  I  got  married  to  Senorita  Louise 
Sandevillc. 

In  the  fall  I  returned  to  the  Indian  country,  taking 
my  wife  with  me.  We  reached  the  Arkansas  about 
the  Hrst  of  October,  1842,  where  I  erected  a  trading- 
post,  and  opened  a  successful  business.  In  a  very 
short  time  I  was  joined  by  from  fifteen  to  twenty  free 
trappers,  with  their  families.  We  all  united  our  labors, 
and  constructed  an  adobe  fort  sixty  yards  square.  By 
the  foUowi  »g  spring  we  had  grown  into  quite  a  little 
settlement,  and  we  gave  it  the  name  of  Pueblo.  Many 
of  tlie  company  devoted  themselves  to  agriculture,  and 
raised  very  good  crops  the  first  season,  such  as  wheat, 
corn,  oats,  potatoes,  and  abundance  of  almost  all  kinds 
of  vegetables. 

When  the  spring  trade  was  over,  I  sent  all  my  peltry 
to  Independence,  and  bought  with  the  proceeds  tliree 
thousand  dollars  worth  of  articles,  suitable  for  the  trade 
in  New  Mexico.     But,  on  the  arrival  of  the  goods,  tho 


JAMKiS    1'.    UECKWOl'RTH. 


4G5 


le  keg. 
where 
d  them 
not  sec 
chief 
the  lar- 
to  com- 

to  load 
changed 

them  to 
L'e  we  es- 
e  Indian 

fast  and 
abitants. 
a  Louise 

•y,  taking 
jas  about 
\  trading- 
[n  a  very 
venty  free 
)ur  labors, 
uare.    By 
ite  a  little 
lo.    Many 
ilture,  and 
.  as  wheat, 
it  all  kinds 

[  my  peltry 

ieeds  three 

)r  the  trado 

goods,  the 


whole  country  was  in  a  ferment  on  accoimt  of  Colonel 
Cook's  expedition  from  Texas,  wliicli  resulted  so  dis- 
astrously for  the  parties  concerned.  This  aftectcd  tlic 
minds  of  the  New  ^lexicans  unfavora]>ly  for  my  in- 
terest, inasmuch  as  their  former  preference  for  United 
States  novelties  was  now  turned  into  strong  repug- 
nance for  every  thing  American.  I  therefore  could 
obtain  no  sale  for  my  goods,  and  determined  to  return 
to  my  Indian  friends.  I  bought  a  load  of  whisky  to 
trade  for  horses  to  pack  my  goods  to  California,  where 
I  intended  removing.  I  succeeded  in  my  adventure, 
and  obtained  forty  horses  and  mules,  upon  which  I 
packed  my  merchandise,  and  quickly  found  myself  on 
the  way  to  the  **  golden  state." 

I  started  with  fifteen  men,  three  of  whom  were  ]\Iex- 
icans.  When  I  reached  the  Utah  country,  1  found 
that  the  Indians  were  waging  exterminating  war  upon 
the  Mexicans,  but  I  did  not  learn  it  in  time  to  save  the 
lives  of  my  three  unhappy  followers,  who,  lagging  too 
far  in  the  rear,  were  set  upon  by  the  Indians  and  slain. 
In  passing  through  their  country  I  did  considerable 
trading,  exchanging  my  merchandise  for  elk,  deer,  and 
antelope  skins,  very  beautifully  dressed. 

I  arrived  in  Pueblo  dc  Angeles  (California)  in  Jan- 
uary, 1844.  There  I  indulged  my  new  passion  for 
trade,  and  did  a  very  profitable  business  for  several 
months.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  revolution  in  1845, 
I  took  an  active  part  against  the  mother  country,  of 
which  I  will  furnish  some  details  in  my  next  chapter. 

U2 


4(JU 


AUTOHKXntArilV    iJV 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

The  Californian  Revolution. — Rifle  Corps. — Position  of  the  two  Ar- 
mies.— Colonel  Sutter. — Cannonade. — Flight  of  Sutter. — His  Kr- 
turn. — Trial  ajid  subsequent  Release. 

The  Upper  Californians,  on  account  of  their  great 
distance  from  the  Mexican  government,  had  long  en- 
joyed the  forms  of  an  independent  principality,  al- 
though recognizing  themselves  as  a  portion  of  the 
Mexican  Republic.  They  had  for  years  past  had  the 
election  of  their  own  officers,  their  governor  inclusive, 
and  enjoyed  comparative  immunity  from  taxes  and 
other  political  vexations.  Under  this  abandonment, 
the  inhabitants  lived  prosperous  and  contented ;  their 
hills  and  prairies  were  literally  swarming  with  cattle ; 
immense  numbers  of  these  were  slauglitcred  annually 
for  their  hides  and  talloAv;  and,  as  they  had  no  "Ar- 
mies of  Liberation"  to  support,  and  no  costly  govern- 
ment to  maintain  in  extravagance,  they  passed  their 
lives  in  a  state  of  contentment,  eveiy  man  sitting  un- 
der his  own  vine  and  his  own  fig-tree. 

Two  years  prior  to  my  arrival  all  this  had  been 
changed.  President  Santa  Anna  had  appointed  one  of 
his  creatures,  Torrejon,  governor,  with  absolute  and 
tyrannical  power;  he  arrived  with  an  army  of  bandits 
to  subject  the  defenseless  inhabitants  to  every  wrong 
that  a  debasing  tyranny  so  readily  indulges  in.  Heavy 
taxes  were  imposed  for  the  support  of  the  home  gov- 
ernment, and  troops  were  quartered  to  the  great  an- 
noyance and  cost  of  the  honest  people.  The  lives  of 
the  inhabitants  were  continually  in  danger  from  the 


JAMES    P.   BECKWOURTII. 


4G7 


c  two  Ar- 
-HiH  Kr- 


;ir  great 
ong  en- 
tity, al- 
of  the 
had  the 
iclusive, 
xes  and 
lonment, 
d;  their 
h  cattle; 
annually 
no  "Ar- 
j  govern- 
ised  their 
tting  un- 

had  been 
sd  one  of 
)lute  and 
)f  bandits 
sry  wrong 
1.  Heavy 
lome  gov- 
great  an- 
e  lives  of 
from  the 


cxcossea  of  tlic  worthless  vagabonds  who  had  been 
forced  «|)0n  thcni;  their  property  was  ritled  before  tlieir 
eyes,  their  duugliters  were  ravisiied  in  tlieir  presence, 
or  carried  forcibly  to  the  tilthy  barracks.  The  jxiople  s 
patience  became  at  length  cxiiausted,  and  tliey  determ- 
ined to  die  ratiicr  than  submit  to  such  inflictions. 
But  they  were  ignorant  how  to  sliake  off  the  yoke : 
they  were  unaccustomed  to  war,  and  knew  nothing 
about  political  organizations.  However,  Providence 
finally  raised  up  a  man  for  the  purpose,  General  Joso 
Castro,  who  had  tilled  the  office  of  comnuinder  under 
the  former  system,  but  who  had  been  forced  to  retire 
into  privacy  at  the  inauguration  of  the  reign  of  terror. 
He  stepj)ed  boldly  forth,  and  declared  to  the  people  his 
readiness  to  lead  them  to  the  warfare  that  should  de- 
liver their  country  from  the  scourge  that  afflicted  thcnij 
he  called  upon  them  to  second  his  exertions,  and  never 
desert  his  banner  until  California  were  purified  of  her 
present  pollution.  His  patriotic  appeal  was  responded 
to  by  ail  ranks.  Hundreds  flocked  to  his  standard; 
the  young  and  the  old  left  their  ranches  and  their  cat- 
tle-grounds, and  rallied  round  their  well-tried  chief. 

There  was  at  that  time  quite  a  number  of  Ameri- 
cans in  the  country,  and,  according  to  their  interests 
and  predilections,  they  ranged  themselves  upon  oppos- 
ing sides.  Our  present  worthy  and  much-respected 
citizen.  General  Sutter,  was  at  that  time,  if  I  mistake 
not,  a  colonel  in  the  forces  of  the  central  government, 
and  at  the  outbreak  of  the  revolution  he  drew  his 
sword  for  Santa  Anna,  and  entered  into  active  service 
against  the  rebels  in  Pueblo  de  Angeles. 

There  was  an  American,  long  resident  in  the  coun- 
try, named  J.  Roland,  who  sought  my  co-operation 
in  the  popular  cause.     He  said  that  every  American 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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// 


/. 


'fe 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


li^ 


2.0 


1.8 


U    ill  1.6 


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7 


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Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


■V 


^ 


w 


468 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OF 


who  could  use  a  rifle  was  a  host  against  the  invaders, 
ind  besought  me  to  arm  in  defense,  and  to  influence 
my  men  likewise  to  espouse  the  cause.  I  replied  to 
his  solicitations  by  promising  him  my  active  co-opera- 
tion, and  also  that  1  woidd  represent  his  arguments  to 
the  men  living  with  me.  Accordingly,  I  informed  my 
people  that  I  intended  to  shoulder  my  rifle  in  the  de- 
fense of  life  and  property,  and  they  Vv'crc  unanimous  in 
their  resolution  to  accompany  me.  Hence  there  were 
thirteen  riflemen  instead  of  one.  We  shortly  after  re- 
ceived an  accession  of  sixty  more  good  frontiersmen, 
and  mustered  ourselves  for  service.  The  company 
elected  me  captain,  but  I  declined  the  office.  Mr.  Bell 
finally  assumed  the  command,  with  the  promise  of  my 
unflinching  support  in  extremities.  Our  compan}- 
steadily  increased  in  number  until  we  had  one  hundred 
and  sixty  men,  including  native  Californians,  who  join- 
ed us  with  rifles. 

General  Castro's  first  movement  was  against  Pueblo, 
lie  entered  the  place  at  the  head  of  his  forces,  and 
took  the  fort,  arsenal,  with  all  the  government  arms, 
ammunition,  and  stores,  with  the  slight  loss  of  one  of- 
ficer wounded.  This  enabled  the  rebels  to  arm  them- 
selves, and  he  was  shortly  at  the  head  of  a  small  but 
well-appointed  army.  The  general  highly  extolled 
the  rifle  battalion,  and  he  looked  upon  it  as  a  power- 
ful support. 

Castro  then  took  a  detachment  of  rebel  troops,  and 
proceeded  northward  to  reconnoitre  the  enemy's  po- 
f;ition,  our  main  body  also  moving  in  the  direction  of 
the  enemy  as  far  as  Monterey,  where  were  the  gov- 
ernor's head-quarters.  On  first  hearing  the  intelli- 
gence of  the  outbreak,  +he  governor  had  put  his  forces 
in  motion,  and  issued  orders  to  shoot  the  rebels  wherev- 


.JAMKS    V.    HECKWOIRTII. 


4m 


nvaders, 
nfliiencc 
jplied  to 
;o-opera- 
rnents  to 
•med  my 
1  the  de- 
limous  in 
lere  werc 

at'ter  re- 
tiersmen, 
company 

Ur.  Bell 
ise  of  my 

compan}' 
e  hundred 
who  join- 

st  Pueblo : 
Drees,  and 
lent  arms, 
of  one  of- 
irm  them- 
small  but 
extolled 
a  power- 

roops,  and 
emy's  po- 
rection  of 
i  the  gov- 
he  intelU- 
;  his  forces 
ik  wherev- 


er met,  and  destroy  their  property  of  whatever  kind, 
(leneral  Castro,  having  proceeded  as  far  as  8anta  Bar- 
bara, a  distance  of  ninety-six  miles,  and  having  obtain- 
ed full  information  concerning  the  movements  of  the 
gorernor,  returned  and  joined  the  main  body.  Dur- 
ing his  expedition  he  captured  five  Americans  in  the 
Mexican  service.  lie  disarmed  them,  telling  them 
that  he  had  no  disposition  to  injure  Americans,  and 
that  he  would  return  their  arms  as  soon  as  he  had 
expelled  the  enemies  of  the  people. 

Our  forces  were  concentrated  in  a  large  open  prairie, 
the  enemy  being  stationed  at  no  great  distance,  like- 
wise on  the  prairie.  I  ascended,  one  morning,  the 
summit  of  a  mountain,  which  would  afford  nie  a  fair 
view  of  the  enemy's  camp,  just  to  discover  their  num- 
bers and  strength  of  position.  On  my  road  I  encoun- 
tered two  Americans,  who  were  serving  in  the  capacity 
of  spies  to  the  enemy.  I  accosted  them,  tnd  express- 
ed surprise  to  see  them  in  the  service  of  such  an  old 
rascal  as  Torrejon,  and  recommended  them  to  join  the 
popular  cause ;  but  they  seemed  to  have  an  eye  to  the 
promised  booty  of  the  lebels,  and  my  arguments  could 
not  influence  them.  I  dispatched  one  of  them  with  a 
letter  to  Gant,  an  American  who  held  the  commission 
of  captain  in  the  governor's  army,  offering  him,  as  we 
did  not  wish  to  fight  against  our  American  brethren, 
to  withdraw  all  the  Americans  from  the  rebel  ranks, 
if  he  would  do  the  same  on  the  side  of  the  governor, 
and  leave  the  Mexicans  and  Californians,  who  were 
most  interested  in  the  issue,  to  measure  their  strength. 
Some  Germans  who  were  with  us  also  made  the  same 
proposal  to  Colonel  Sutter.  Our  messenger  conveyed 
the  dispatches,  and  delivered  the  German's  letter  to 
Colonel  Sutter,  who  read  both  that  and  our  letter  to 


470 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OF 


Captain  Gant.  He  returned  for  answer  that.,  unless 
the  Americans  withdrew  from  the  insurgent  army  im- 
mediately, he  would  shoot  us  every  one  by  ten  o'clock 
the  next  morning.  This  embittered  us  the  more 
against  the  barbarity  of  the  opposing  power,  and  we 
resolved  to  make  their  leaders,  not  excepting  Sutter, 
feel  the  effects  of  our  rifles  as  soon  as  they  placed 
themselves  within  range. 

On  the  following  morning  a  weak  and  ineffective 
cannonade  commenced  on  both  sides.  We  lay  low, 
awaiting  the  enemy's  ch;Tge.  As  their  riflemen  had 
not  shown  themselves,  and  we  were  desirous  to  obtain 
a  sight  of  them,  myself,  with  seven  or  eight  others,  ad- 
vanced cautiously  in  search  of  them.  On  our  way  we 
discovered  a  small  cannon  which  the  enemy  had  load- 
ed and  was  about  to  discharge  upon  our  ranks.  Had 
there  been  a  gunner  among  them,  it  must  have  done 
us  great  injury.  We  advanced  within  a  few  yards  of 
the  piece,  and  had  raised  ourselves  up  to  shoot  the  ar- 
tillerymen, when  one  of  our  party  arrested  our  aim  by 
suddenly  exclaiming,  "Don't  shoot!  ^1  c't  shoot!" 
He  then  pointed  out  the  enemy's  rifiei.  -:ii  carefully 
emerging  from  a  hollow,  with  the  intention  of  stealing 
upon  our  flank  and  saluting  us  with  a  volley  of  lead. 
I  laid  down  my  rifle,  and  hailed  them  to  halt.  I  rec- 
ognized a  number  of  mountaineers  among  them,  with 
some  of  whom  I  had  intimate  acquaintance,  and  I 
urged  them  to  adopt  the  cause  of  the  people,  for  the 
side  they  had  now  espoused  was  one  no  American 
should  be  seeu  to  defend.  They  heard  me  through, 
and  all,  or  nearly  all  the  Americans  were  persuaded 
by  my  arguments,  and  returned  with  me  to  join  our 
battalion.  This  assured  us  of  victory.  The  cannon- 
ade was  perfectly  harmless :  some  of  the  balls  pass- 


JAMES   P.    BECKWOURTII. 


471 


;,  unless 
rmy  im- 
1  o'clock 
le  more 
,  and  nve 
r  Sutter, 
y  placed 

leffective 

lay  low, 
iuien  had 
to  obtain 
thers,  ad- 
r  way  wc 
had  load- 
ks.  Had 
lave  done 

yards  of 
>ot  the  ar- 
ur  aim  by 
t  shoot'." 

carefully 
of  steahng 
jy  of  lead. 
It.  I  rec- 
them,  with 
ice,  and  I 
3le,  for  the 

American 
le  through, 

persuaded 
to  join  our 
he  cannon- 
balls  pass- 


ed tln-ee  hundred  feet  over  our  heads ;  others  plow- 
ed up  the  prairie  as  near  to  thoir  ranks  as  ours.  All 
the  damage  we  received  was  one  wagon  shivered  to 
pieces,  and  a  horse  killed  under  Colonel  Price,  which 
animal  had  been  captured  by  us  at  Pueblo,  and  was 
now  serving  in  the  rebel  forces  with  the  same  rank 
he  had  held  under  government. 

The  desertion  of  the  riflemen  seriously  affected  the 
enemy's  prospects  of  victory.  Ten  o'clock  had  passed, 
and  Colonel  Sutter  had  not  put  his  threat  into  execu- 
tion. The  enemy  finally  retired  from  the  field,  and 
marched  in  the  direction  of  Pueblo.  I  took  a  part 7 
and  ascended  a  mountain  to  watch  the  progress  of  the 
retiring  foe ;  we  staid  out  some  hours,  with  the  view  to 
learn  where  they  encamped.  While  thus  employed,  a 
courier,  sent  from  our  commander,  brought  us  orders 
to  return  immediately.  We  instantly  obeyed,  and 
found  the  army  gone,  with  only  one  man  remaining  to 
direct  our  steps.  On  coming  up  with  our  forces,  we 
found  that  our  colonel  had  made  a  movement  which 
cut  off  all  retreat  from  the  enemy,  and  which  must 
bring  him  to  an  engagement,  or  an  unconditional  sur- 
render. In  the  morning,  I  again  took  a  party  with 
me,  and  mounted  an  eminence  to  reconnoitre  the  en- 
emy's position.  We  approached  to  within  five  hund- 
red yards  of  their  camp,  where  we  shot  a  bullock, 
which  we  quietly  proceeded  to  dress.  While  we  were 
thus  engaged,  I  perceived  an  officer  approaching  from 
the  enemy's  camp  to  ascertain  who  we  were.  I  took 
my  rifle,  and  dodged  among  the  bushes,  eager  to  get  a 
shot  at  him  ;  but,  before  I  could  do  so,  one  of  my  men 
prematurely  fired,  and  missed  his  mark.  The  offi- 
cer had  dismounted  in  order  to  get  a  nearer  view  of 
us,  and  this  admonitory  shot  warned  him  back  into 


472 


A  CTOBUX.)  liAPH  V    OF 


camp.  jMyself  and  another  advancod  to  within  fifty 
rods  of  it,  and  boldly  seized  the  otlicer's  Iiorsc,  and 
they  did  not  fire  a  shot  at  us.  We  saw  their  camp 
was  hemmed  in  on  all  sides.  Our  artillery  was  placed 
in  battery,  matches  liglitcd,  and  men  in  position — all 
was  ready  for  action.  The  enemy,  perceiving  their  des- 
perate condition,  sent  a  flag  of  truce  for  a  negotiation. 
Articles  of  capitulation  were  eventually  drawn  up  and 
signed,  to  the  cifect  that  the  governor  and  his  forces 
should  immediately  lay  down  their  arms,  and  leave  for 
Acapulco  as  soon  as  their  embarkation  could  be  accom- 
plished. Accordingly,  they  laid  down  tlieir  arms,  and 
marched  under  escort  to  the  Embaradara,  distant  twen- 
ty miles  from  Pueblo.  The  governor  was  not  permit- 
ted to  return  to  Monterey,  but  Iiis  lady  was  sent  for 
to  the  Embaradara,  where  she  rejoined  her  husband, 
and  they  quit  the  country  together. 

Colonel  Sutter,  on  the  day  of  embarkation,  left  his 
detachment  of  naked  Indians  with  the  army,  and  pro- 
ceeded, as  we  supposed,  to  his  fort  on  the  Sacramen- 
to ;  but  he  returned  the  next  day,  and  gave  himself 
up  to  us.  His  force  of  Indians  were  very  well  drilled, 
but  would  have  been  far  better  employed  in  raising- 
cabbages  on  his  farm  than  in  facing  rebel  riflemen  on 
the  battle-field.  A  trial  was  held  upon  the  colonel, 
which  resulted  in  his  full  acquittal,  with  the  restora- 
tion of  all  his  property  fallen  into  our  hands,  such  as 
cannon  and  other  military  effects,  by  the  suiTcnder  of 
the  government  forces.  The  Americans,  in  jest  prob- 
ably, seemed  very  desirous  to  have  the  prisoner  shot, 
which  produced  great  alarm  in  his  mind,  and  recalled 
to  his  recollection  his  recent  threat  to  shoot  all  the 
Americans  in  our  army. 

Our  countrymen  were  almost  carried  on  the  shoul- 


JAMES    P.  BECKWOURTH. 


473 


thin  fifty 
orso,  and 
icir  catnp 
as  placed 
it  ion — all 
their  des- 
igotiation. 
rn  up  and 
his  forces 
1  leave  for 
be  accom- 
arms,  and 
tant  twen- 
lot  permit- 
is  sent  for 
•  husband, 

Dn,  left  his 
f,  and  pro- 
Sacramen- 
ve  himself 
^-ell  drilled, 
in  raising 
dflemen  on 
he  colonel, 
he  restora- 
ds,  such  as 
LiiTender  of 
n  jest  prob- 
isoner  shot, 
md  recalled 
loot  all  the 

1  the  shoul- 


ders of  the  Californians,  in  gratitude  for  their  partici- 
pation in  th  revolution  ;  for,  although  the  victory  had 
been  a  bloodless  one,  they  attributed  their  easily-won 
success  to  the  dread  inspired  by  the  name  of  their 
American  confederates. 

After  seeing  the  departure  of  the  government  troops, 
the  rebel  aimy  returned  to  Pueblo,  where  they  elected 
Colonel  Pico  governor  ;  Colonel,  now  (jJeneral  Castro, 
Qommander  of  the  forces  ;  and  filled  other  less  import- 
ant offices.  Fandangoes,  which  were  continued  for  a 
week,  celebrated  our  success ;  and  these  festivities  over, 
the  insurgents  returned  to  their  various  homes  and  oc- 
cupations. 

Some  few  weeks  after,  a  small  proportion  of  the  in- 
habitants sought  to  displace  our  newly-elected  chiet 
magistrate,  and  appoint  some  other  in  his  place.  I  was 
sent  for  during  the  night  to  guard  the  governor's  palace 
with  my  corps  of  rifles,  and  we  succeeded  in  capturing 
the  leading  conspirators,  who  were  tried  and  sent  to 
Acapulco  in  irons.  I  had  a  quarrel  with  the  alcalde 
shortly  after  this  service,  and  he  put  me  in  irons  for 
cursing  him.  As  soon  as  the  governor  heard  of  my 
misfortune,  he  had  me  immediately  discharged  from 
confinement. 

I  now  resumed  my  business,  and  dispatcher'  riy  part- 
ner, Mr.  Waters,  after  a  fresh  supply  of  goods ;  but, 
before  he  had  time  to  return,  fresh  political  commotions 
supervened.  There  still  seemed  to  exist  in  the  minds 
of  the  majority  a  strong  hankering  for  the  domination 
of  Mexico,  notwithstanding  they  had  so  recently  sided 
with  the  Bevolutionists  in  shaking  off  the  yoke  of  the 
national  government.  Among  other  causes  of  excite- 
ment, too,  the  American  adventurers  resident  there  Iiad 
raised  the  "  Bear  Flag,"  and  proclaimed  their  intention 


474 


ATTTOniOGUAniY   OF 


ot'cstaMislnng  .an  indopcndcnt  government  of  their  own. 
'I'liis  cHUHed  us  to  be  clos(dy  watehed  by  the  authori- 
ti(\s,  and  matters  seemed  to  be  growing  too  warm  to  be 
pleasant. 

In  the  midst  of  this  gathering  ferment,  news  reached 
us  from  MazatL'm  of  the  dechiration  of  war  between  the 
United  States  and  Mexico,  and  1  deemed  it  was  fully 
time  to  leave.  Colonel  Fremont  was  at  that  juncture 
approacliing  from  Oregon  with  a  force,  if  combined  with 
the  .Vmericans  resident  there,  sufficient  to  conquer  the 
wliole  coiuitry,  and  1  would  have  liked  exceedingly  to 
join  his  forces,  but  to  have  proceeded  toward  him  would 
have  Hubjc  'ted  me  to  mistnist,  and  consequent  capture 
anci  imprisoimicnt.  If  I  looked  south  the  same  difficul- 
ties menaced  me,  and  tll^.  west  conducted  me  to  the  Pa- 
citic  Ocean. 

I  had  but  little  time  to  deliberate.  My  people  was 
at  war  with  the  country  I  was  living  in  ;  I  had  become 
security  to  the  authorities  for  the  good  behavior  of  sev- 
eral of  my  fellow-countrymen,  .*nd  1  was  under  recog- 
nizances for  my  own  conduct.  The  least  misadvent- 
ure would  compromise  me,  and  I  was  impatient  to  get 
away.  ]\Iy  only  retreat  was  eastward  ;  so,  considering 
all  things  fair  in  time  of  war,  I,  together  with  tive  trusty 
Americans,  collected  eighteen  hundred  stray  horses  we 
found  roaming  on  the  Californian  ranches,  and  started 
with  our  utmost  speed  from  Pueblo  de  Angeles.  This 
was  a  fair  capture,  and  our  morals  justified  it,  for  it  was 
war-time.  We  knew  we  should  be  pursued,  and  we 
lost  no  time  in  making  our  way  toward  home.  We 
kept  our  herd  jogging  for  five  days  and  nights,  only 
resting  once  a  day  to  eat,  and  afford  the  animals  time 
to  crop  a  mouthfid  of  grass.  We  killed  a  fat  colt  oc- 
casionally, which  supplied  us  with  meat,  and  very  de- 


JAMES   P.  nECXWOUIlTH. 


47.0 


K'lr  own. 

authori- 

rin  to  be 

reached 
ween  the 
vas  fully 
juncture 
ined  with 
iquer  the 
lingly  to 
im  would 
it  capture 
e  difficul- 
to  the  Pa- 

eople  was 
id  become 
ior  of  sev- 
[ler  recog- 
lisadvent- 
jnt  to  get 
jnsidering 
ftve  trusty 
horses  we 
nd  started 
les.  This 
,  for  it  was 
d,  and  we 
►me.  We 
ghts,  only 
imals  time 
'at  colt  oc- 
d  very  de- 


licious meat  too — rather  costly,  Init  the  cheapest  and 
handiest  we  could  obtahi.  After  five  days'  chase  our 
pursuers  relaxed  tlieir  speed,  and  we  ourselves  drove 
more  leisurely.  We  again  found  the  advantage  that  1 
have  often  spoken  of  before  of  having  a  drove  of  horses 
jjefore  us,  for,  as  the  animals  we  bestrode  gave  out,  we 
could  shift  to  a  fresh  one,  while  our  pursuers  were  con- 
fined to  one  steed. 

When  we  arrived  at  my  fort  on  the  Arkansas,  we 
liad  over  one  thousand  head  of  horses,  all  in  good  con- 
dition. There  was  a  general  rejoicing  among  the  little 
community  at  my  safe  arrival,  the  Indians  also  coming 
in  to  bid  me  welcome.  1  found  my  wife  married  again, 
having  been  deceived  by  a  false  communication.  Her 
present  husband  had  brought  her  a  missive,  purporting 
to  be  of  my  inditing,  wherein  I  expressed  indifterence 
toward  her  person,  disinclination  to  return  home,  and 
tendering  her  a  discharge  from  all  connubial  obligation. 
She  accepted  the  document  as  authentic,  and  solaced 
her  abandonment  by  espousing  her  husband's  messen- 
ger. My  return  acquainted  her  with  tiie  truth  of  the 
m fitter.  She  manifested  extreme  regret  at  having  suf- 
fered herself  to  be  imposed  upon  so  readily,  and,  as  a 
remedy  for  the  evil,  offered  herself  back  again ;  but  I 
declined,  preferring  to  enjoy  once  more  the  sweets  of 
single  blessedness. 

I  left  the  fort  on  a  visit  to  San  Fernandez.  I  found 
business  very  dull  there  on  account  of  the  war,  and 
great  apprehensions  were  felt  by  my  friends  in  regard 
to  the  result.  Perceiving  that  was  no  very  desirable 
place  to  remove  to,  I  returned  to  my  community. 

General  Kearney  was  just  then  on  his  march  to 
Santa  Fe.  I  took  a  drove  of  my  horses,  and  proceed- 
ed down  the  Arkansas  to  meet  him  on  his  route ;  for 


47(i 


AUTOBIOGRAPIiy   OP 


it  was  probable  there  mij:^ht  be  an  op])ortunity  of  effect- 
ing sonic  advantageous  exeliange.s.  The  general  came 
lip,  and  found  nie  i>i  waiting  with  ni  v  stock ;  we  liad 
been  acquainted  for  several  years,  and  lie  gave  me  a 
very  cordial  reception. 

"Beckwourth,"  said  tlie  general,  "you  have  a  splen- 
did lot  of  horses,  really ;  tliey  must  have  cost  you  a 
great  sum  of  money." 

"No,  general,"  I  replied,  "but  they  cost  me  a  great 
many  miles  of  hard  riding," 

"  How  so  ?"  he  inquired. 

"Why,  I  was  in  California  at  the  time  tlie  war  broke 
out,  and,  not  having  men  enough  at  my  command  to 
take  part  in  the  fighting,  I  thought  I  could  assist  my 
country  a  little  by  starting  off  a  small  drove  of  the 
enemy's  horses,  in  order  to  prevent  their  being  used 
against  us." 

"Ah,  ]3cckwourth,  you  ire  ti-uly  a  wonderful  man  to 
possess  so  much  forethought,"  and  he  laughed  heartily. 
"  However,"  added  he,  "trade  them  off  as  quickly  as 
possible,  for  I  want  you  to  accompany  me.  You  like 
war,  and  I  have  good  use  for  you  now." 

I  informed  him  that  I  was  ready  for  service ;  and, 
accordingly,  I  sent  all  my  remaining  horses  back  to  my 
plantation,  and  went  on  with  the  general  to  Santa  Fe, 
which  place  submitted  without  firing  a  shot.  The  gen- 
eral sent  me  immediately  back  to  Fort  Leavenworth 
with  dispatches.  This  was  my  service  during  the  war. 
The  occupation  was  a  tolerably  good  one,  and  I  never 
failed  in  getting  my  dispatches  tlirough.  I  enjoyed 
iacilities  superior  to  almost  any  other  man,  as  I  was 
known  to  almost  all  the  Indians  through  whose  coun- 
try I  passed. 

My  partner  and  I  had  purchased  a  hotel  in  Santa 


JAMKS   V.  BECKWOUKTH. 


477 


f  effoct- 
jil  came 
wo  had 
re  me  a 

a  splen- 
it  you  a 

}  a  great 


-ar  broke 
imand  to 
ssist  my 
'c  of  the 
mo;  used 

ul  man  to 

heartily. 

uickly  as 

You  like 

ice;  and, 
Eick  to  my 
Santa  Fe, 

The  gen- 
avenworth 
g  the  war. 
id  I  never 

I  enjoyed 
,  as  I  was 
hose  coun- 

l  in  Santa 


F6,  and  wo  transacted  a  very  ])ro*itah]''  business  there. 
My  associate  attended  to  tho  business  ot'tlie  liotel,  while 
I  carried  dispatches,  and  Santa  Fe  was  generally  my 
starting-place.  Many  messengers  lost  tlieir  lives  on 
the  route,  as  at  times  tliere  wore  dispatches  to  be  sent, 
and  I  would  not  bo-  at  liead-quartors  to  carry  them. 
The  distance  from  Santa  Fe  to  Fort  Leavenworth  is 
nine  lumdred  and  tliirtoen  niik\s.  1  have  frequently 
made  tlic  trip  in  from  twenty  to  twenty-five  days ;  my 
shortest  trij^  J.  accomplished  in  eighteen.  I  well  knew 
that  my  life  was  at  stake  every  trip  that  I  made,  but 
I  liked  the  employment ;  there  was  continual  excite- 
ment in  it,  indeed  sometimes  more  than  I  actually  cared 
about,  more  particularly  when  I  fell  in  with  the  Paw- 
nees. The  service  furnished  an  escort  of  fifteen  or 
twenty-iive  men,  but  I  always  declined  the  company 
of  troops,  as  I  considered  myself  safer  without  them. 
If  I  had  taken  troops  with  me,  it  would  liave  led  to 
incessant  fights  with  the  Indians  ;  and  if  they  had  seen 
me  with  white  soldiers,  tliey  would  have  been  very  apt 
to  kill  me  the  first  opportunity.  Another  thing :  I  did 
not  think  the  United  States  regular  troops  good  for 
any  thing  against  the  Indians,  for  I  knew  that  the  Ca- 
manches  would  stand  and  fight  them  almost  man  for 
man. 

I  chanced  to  fall  in  with  Kit  Carson  one  day,  as  I  was 
about  to  start  from  New  Mexico  to  Fort  Leavenworth, 
and  he  proposed  going  with  me,  as  he  wished  to  learn 
ray  route.  I  was  very  much  pleased  with  his  proposal, 
as  I  thought  that  with  Kit  and  his  men  I  should  go 
through  strong  handed.  I  told  him  that  I  should  rest 
at  Taos  one  day  to  get  my  horses  shod,  and  that  he 
could  easily  come  up  with  me  there,  or  on  the  road 
thither.     I  left  with  two  men,  and  staid  at  Taos  as 


478 


AUTOBIOORAPHY   OF 


appointed,  but  lie  failed  to  rejoin  us.  I  rode  on  as  far 
as  my  ranch  ;  still  he  did  not  appear.  I  built  a  large 
tire  before  proceeding  into  the  Indian  country,  thinking 
to  attract  him  by  the  smoke,  and  thus  bring  him  on  to 
our  trail,  but  I  saw  no  more  of  him,  and  it  was  sup- 
posed he  was  lost  until  he  eventually  turned  up  in  the 
City  of  Washington.  We  both  had  a  narrow  escape 
from  Indians  on  that  trip.  I  had,  contrary  to  my  usual 
practice,  encamped  one  night  in  the  prairie,  and  was  to 
start  in  the  morning,  when  we  heard  buffalo  running 
close  to  our  camp.  On  looking  out,  I  saw  a  great 
number  chased  by  the  Pawnees,  although  the  Indians 
were  not  yet  in  sight.  We  made  all  possible  haste  to 
the  timber,  threw  our  horses  on  their  sides,  gagged 
them  and  fastened  them  to  the  ground,  and  then  se- 
creted ourselves  in  the  willows.  The  Indians  flocked 
round,  busied  in  their  pursuit,  and  some  of  the  buffa- 
loes they  dressed  within  gunshot  of  our  secret  camp. 
I  thought  that  day  the  longest  I  had  lived  through, 
and  I  expect  the  poor  animals  thought  so  too,  for  they 
lay  in  one  position  the  whole  time,  without  food  or 
water,  and  without  being  permitted  to  whisper  a  com- 
plaint. At  night  we  made  good  our  escape,  and  ar- 
rived at  the  fort  without  further  difficulty. 

When  I  was  ready  to  return  to  Santa  Fe,  I  could 
find  no  one  willing  to  accompany  me.  The  weather 
was  intensely  cold,  and  no  inducement  that  I  could  of- 
fer was  sufficient  to  tempt  men  to  leave  their  comfort- 
able fires,  and  encounter  the  perils  of  the  Indians  and 
Jack  Frost  in  the  prairies.  Many  men  had  been  frozen 
to  death  on  the  route,  and  a  generpi  shudder  ran  through 
the  company  when  I  proposed  the  journey  to  them.  I 
could  have  been  furnished  with  soldiers  in  plenty,  but 
I  was  unwilling  to  take  them,  as  it  imposed  so  much 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOUUTH. 


479 


on  as  iar 
It  a  large 
thinking 
lim  on  to 
was  sup- 
up  in  tlin 
)\v  escape 
my  usual 
md  was  to 
0  running 
w  a  great 
tie  Indians 
le  haste  to 
es,  gagged 
d  then  se- 
ans  flocked 
'  the  buffa- 
fecret  camp, 
id  through, 
)o,  for  they 
)ut  food  or 
iper  a  com- 
pe,  and  ar- 

Fe,  I  could 
he  weather 
I  could  of- 
eir  comfort- 
Indians  and 
been  frozen 
ran  through 
to  them.    I 
plenty,  but 
led  so  much 


trouble  on  the  road  to  stay  to  bury  every  man  that  pc!r- 
ishcd  with  the  hardnliips  of  tlie  journey.  Important 
dispatches  had  arrived  from  Washington  which  must 
go  through,  and  1  looked  fruitlessly  round  for  a  man 
hardy  enough  to  go  witli  me.  At  Icngtli  a  boy — a 
Kentuckian — volunteered.  lie  had  followed  the  army 
to  the  fort,  and  had  lived  about  the  barracks  until  he 
had  become  well  accustomed  to  tlie  privations  of  u 
camp  life.  lie  was  an  intelligent  lad,  but,  unfortu- 
nately, had  a  malformation  of  one  of  his  feet,  which  se- 
riously impeded  his  walking.  However,  I  liked  his 
*'  pluck"  in  proposing,  and  eventually  consented  to 
take  him.  I  went  with  him  to  the  sutler's  store,  and 
procured  him  the  warmest  clothing  I  could,  and  then 
bade  him  repair  to  my  boarding-house,  and  stay  there 
until  I  was  ready  to  start. 

When  I  was  prepared  for  departure,  I  furnished  him 
with  a  good  horse,  and,  taking  an  extra  one  between 
us,  we  started  on  the  long  journey.  I  gave  him  par- 
ticular directions  that  if  he  should  become  very  cold  he 
was  to  acquaint  me,  and  I  would  stay  and  build  a  Are 
to  warm  him  by  wherever  there  was  any  wood;  but 
the  proposition  he  declined. 

Three  days  after  we  reached  the  Arkansas,  and  en- 
camped. Isaac  was  busied  in  preparing  supper,  while 
I  walked  to  an  eminence  close  by  in  order  to  survey 
the  country.  I  perceived  an  immense  number  of  In- 
dians approaching  directly  toward  us,  and  at  not  more 
than  three  or  four  hundred  yards  distance.  I  shouted 
to  Isaac  to  catch  the  horses  quickly  and  tether  them, 
and  I  hastened  back  to  the  camp.  He  inquired  what 
the  matter  was,  and  I  told  him  there  were  a  thousand 
Indians  coming  after  us. 

The  approaching  individuals  belonged  to  the  Ca- 


480 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


inanche  tribe,  and  numbered  over  a  thousand  warriors. 
They  were  in  full  sjTccd.  They  dashed  through  the 
.Vrkansas  with  such  precipitation  that  I  thought  they 
would  throw  all  the  water  out  of  the  channel  and  hurl 
it  on  to  the  bank.  I  ran  in  front  of  the  advance,  and 
challenged  them  to  stop.  They  halted  for  a  moment, 
and  asked  me  who  I  was.  1  told  them  the  Crow. 
Thereupon  they  grabbed  me  up  like  a  chicken,  and  car- 
ried me  into  our  little  camp.  They  had  nine  white 
men's  scalps,  which,  to  appearance,  were  hardly  yet 
cold,  and  they  said  they  must  kill  my  white  boy,  and 
his  scalp  would  just  make  ten.  I  told  them  the  boy 
was  my  nephew,  and  that  they  must  not  kill  him — 
that  great  braves  never  killed  boys.  They  then  con- 
versed :  iiong  thembelves  a  minute  or  two,  and  finally 
said,  *'rie,  being  your  nephew,  may  live.  Tell  him 
to  make  us  some  good  black  soup." 

I  foresaw  that  my  coffee  and  sugar  must  suffer,  for 
by  black  soup  they  meant  coffee.  I  directed  Isaac 
to  set  about  making  it,  but  to  secrete  a  little  for  our- 
selves, if  he  could  do  so  unperceived.  The  Camanches 
have  a  great  fondness  for  coffee,  and  I  never  fell  in 
with  them  without  having  to  part  with  all  I  had,  and 
I  sometimes  imagined  they  preferred  my  coffee  and  sug- 
ar to  my  scalp. 

The  same  day,  just  before  dusk,  while  jogging  stead- 
ily along,  the  boy  discovered  a  small  party  of  Paw- 
nees. I  hastily  dismounted,  and  tied  the  heads  of  our 
three  horses  together,  to  prevent  them  running,  and 
directed  the  boy  to  see  that  they  did  not  move.  I 
then  took  his  gun  and  my  own,  and  went  away  from 
the  horses.  As  I  was  leaving,  the  boy  inquired  if  he 
should  fire  too.  I  told  him  no,  not  unless  I  was  kill- 
ed, and  then  to  defend  himself  as  he  best  could.     I 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


481 


1  warriors, 
irough  the 
)Ught  they 
}1  and  hurl 
vance,  and 
a  moment, 
the  Crow, 
m,  and  car- 
nine  white 
Iiardly  yet 
:e  boy,  and 
sni  the  boy 
kill  him — 
T  then  con- 
and  finally 
Tell  him 

t  suffer,  for 
ected  Isaac 
;tle  for  our- 
Camanches 
ever  fell  in 
I  had,  and 
Fee  and  sug- 

^ging  stead- 
ty  of  Paw- 
leads  of  our 
inning,  and 
t  move.  I 
;  away  from 
quired  if  he 
J  I  was  kill- 
t  could.     I 


took  a  secure  position  and  fired.  An  Indian  fell.  I 
fired  ^gain,  and  killed  a  second.  They  cracked  away 
at  me,  but  did  no  harm.  I  reloaded,  and  fired  again, 
until  I  had  leveled  five  of  them,  they  retreating  at  ev- 
ery discharge.  When  the  fifth  warrior  fell,  the  whole 
party  fell  back  to  cry.  I  knew  that,  after  they  had 
cried  for  a  few  minutes,  they  would  make  a  rush  for 
revenge.  Therefore  I  shouted  to  the  boy  to  cut  the 
animals  loose,  and  mount  in  haste.  He  did  so;  I 
sprung  on  my  horse  instantly,  and  we  flew  away,  leav- 
ing the  mourners  to  their  lamentations.  At  every  foe  I 
shot  the  boy  would  ejaculate,  "Whoop!  you  fetched 
him ;  he's  got  his  gruel,"  and  other  sayings,  thereby 
displayir.g  more  bravery  than  many  men  would  have 
shown  under  similar  circumstances.  Ever  afterward 
he  considered  that  we  were  a  match  for  any  number 
of  Pawnees ;  and  as  for  the  Camanches,  I  could  beat 
them  off  with  "black  soup." 

We  traveled  on  for  several  miles,  and  then  encamp- 
ed. In  the  morning  I  started  along  a  ravine  for  our 
horses,  which  had  strayed  away.  I  returned  toward 
the  camp,  where  I  found  that  they  had  taken  them- 
selves up  another  small  ravine,  and  that  I  had  passed 
them.  While  thus  pursuing  the  stray  animals,  the 
boy  came  to  acquaint  me  that  he  had  seen  a  great  num- 
ber of  Indians.  I  led  the  horses  to  the  camp,  and  then 
mounted  a  little  rise  of  ground,  from  whence  I  descried 
a  large  village.  I  did  not  know  what  tribe  they  be- 
longed to,  though  I  knew  they  were  not  Pawnees,  for 
that  tribe  never  visited  this  country  except  on  war  ex- 
cursions. I  took  the  boy,  and  walked  with  him  up  to 
the  village,  but  their  faces  were  all  strange  to  me  ;  nor 
did  I  like  their  appearance  and  movements.  On  per- 
ceiving one  at  a  little  distance  wrapped  in  his  robe,  I 


482 


ALTUlilOaKAPHY    OF 


thought  he  might  possibly  be  a  chief,  and  I  approach- 
ed liini.  He  addressed  mc  in  Cvow,  "Ah  I  my  friend, 
what  brought  you  here  V" 

I  rcpHed  that,  as   I  was  passing  through,  I  had 


thought  it  well  to  call  on  him. 


ii 


I  am  glad  to  see  you,"  said  he ;  "enter  my  lodge  ; 
my  warriors  are  bad  to-day." 

The  Indians  were  Apaches,  and  the  chief  was  named 
Black  Shield,  an  old  and  intimate  a^  .^uaintance. 

He  insisted  on  my  spending  the  night  in  the  vil- 
lage, which  I  consented  to.  He  was  perfectly  rabid 
toward  the  whites,  and  stated  his  intention  to  manure  • 
the  prairie  with  their  bodies  the  forthcoming  season — 
he  would  not  leave  one  in  the  country.  I  applauded 
his  intention,  telling  him  the  whites  were  unable  to 
fight.  Seeing  that  I  was  on  hio  side — that  is,  if  my 
words  made  me  so — lie  continued,  "I  have  plenty  of 
warriors,  and  plenty  of  guns  and  balls,  but  I  am  a 
little  short  of  powde*.     When  will  you  return?" 

I  informed  him  as  nearly  as  I  could  calculate,  but  I 
added  that  my  return  w^as  uncertain. 

"Will  you  bring  me  some  powder?"  he  inquired. 

"  I  will,"  I  said ;  "  but  I  shall  return  by  way  of 
the  Eagle's  Nest  Hill." 

"  That  is  the  very  place  I  am  going  to  from  here," 
he  rejoined ;  "  and,  if  I  am  not  there  myself,  some  of 
my  warriors  will  be,  and  they  can  take  it  of  you." 

This  afforded  me  no  put-off,  and  I  accordingly  prom- 
ised to  furnish  him  with  the  powder.  If  the  reader 
will  indulge  me  in  a  witticism,  I  beg  to  assure  him 
that  I  carried  the  powder  to  the  old  chief  in  a  horn  ! 
In  the  morning  he  furnished  me  with  meat  enough  to 
subsist  us  for  a  week,  together  with  new  moccasins, 
and  sundry  other  articles.     We  then  bade  him  adieu, 


JAMES    P.  BECKWOUETH. 


483 


proach- 
T  friend, 

,  I  had 

f  lodge ; 

s  narked 
;e. 

the  vil- 
ly  rabid 

manure  • 
season — 
pplauded 
nable  to 
is,  if  my 
)lenty  of 
t  I  am  a 
n?" 
ate,  but  I 

iquired. 
r  way  of 

om  here," 
•,  some  of 
you." 
gly  prom- 
he  reader 
ssure  him 
1  a  horv. ! 
enough  to 
noccasins, 
lim  adieu. 


and  proceeded  on  our  journey,  arriving  at  Santa  Fe 
without  any  farther  noteworthy  adventure. 

On  reaching  my  destination,  I  informed  some  of  my 
friends  of  my  promise  to  the  Black  Shield,  and  where 
they  could  find  him  to  deliver  the  powder,  to  enable 
him  to  carry  out  his  commendable  resolution.  A  par- 
ty started  to  meet  him  at  the  appointed  spot ;  but  in 
delivering  the  powder  they  managed  to  explode  it,  and 
he  and  his  warriors  only  received  the  bullets,  of  which 
they  already  had  plenty. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 

Affairs  at  Santa  Fe. — Insurrection  at  Taos.— Discovery  of  the  Plot.— 
Battle  at  the  Canon.— Battles  at  Lambida,  at  Pueblo,  and  at  Taos. 
—A  Mexican  Woman  redeemed  from  the  Indians.— Return  to 
Santa  Fe. 

On  my  arrival  at  Santa  Fe  I  found  affairs  in  a  very 
disturbed  state.  Colonel  Doniphan  had  just  gained 
the  battle  of  Brasito,  and  was  carrying  all  before  him 
in  that  section  of  the  country.  He  had  forwarded  or- 
ders to  Santa  Fe  for  a  field  battery,  in  order  to  make 
a  demonstration  against  Chihuahua.  Major  Clarke 
was  intrusted  with  the  duty  of  conveying  the  artillery 
to  the  colonel.  Scarcely  had  he  departed  when  we 
received  intelligence  of  an  insurrection  in  Taos.  The 
information  was  first  communicated  by  an  Indian  from 
a  village  between  Santa  Fe  and  Taos,  who  reported 
to  General  Price  that  the  Mexicans  had  massacred  all 
the  white  inhabitants  of  that  place,  and  that  a  sim- 
ilar massacre  was  contemplated  in  Santa  Fe,  of  which 
report  full  information  could  be  obtained  by  the  arrest 
of  a  Mexican  who  was  then  conveying  a  letter  from 


484 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY  OP 


the  priest  in  Taos  to  the  p'.icst  in  Sant.a  Fe.  A  watch 
was  immediately  set  upon  the  priest's  house,  and  a 
Mexican  was  seen  to  enter.  The  guard  approached 
the  door  to  arrest  the  man  as  lie  issued,  but  he,  be- 
ing apprised  of  the  action  of  the  authorities,  left  the 
house  by  another  door,  and  escaped. 

At  night  there  came  a  violent  rapping  at  ray  gate, 
and  on  going  to  open  it  I  perceived  my  friend,  Charles 
Towne,  who,  on  being  admitted,  clasped  me  round  the 
neck,  and  gave  vent  to  uncontrolled  emotion.  Per- 
ceiving that  something  alarming  had  occurred,  I  in- 
vited him  into  the  house,  spread  refreshments  before 
him,  and  allowed  him  time  to  recover  himself.  He 
then  informed  me  that  he  had  escaped  almost  by  a 
miracle  from  Taos,  where  all  the  American  residents 
had  been  killed.  He  was  a  resident  there,  having 
married  a  girl  of  New  Mexico,  and  his  wife's  father 
had  apprised  him  that  he  had  better  effect  his  escape, 
if  possible,  for  if  he  was  caught  he  would  be  inevitably 
massacred.  His  father-in-law  provided  him  with  a 
good  horse,  and  he  retreated  into  the  woods,  where, 
after  considerable  risk  and  anxiety,  he  providentially 
eluded  the  assassins. 

On  receiving  this  alarming  information,  I  lost  no 
time  in  repairing  to  the  head-quarters  of  General  Price, 
accompanied  by  my  informant,  who  related  the  above 
particulars.  General  Price  immediately  adopted  the 
most  effective  measures.  He  assembled  his  officers, 
and  instructed  them  to  set  a  close  watch  upon  the 
house  of  every  Mexican  in  the  city,  and  to  suffer  no 
person  to  pass  in  or  out ;  he  also  ordered  that  every 
American  should  hold  himself  in  readiness  for  service 
during  the  night.  Before  morning  several  of  the  most 
influential  Mexican  citizens  were  placed  under  arrest. 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


485 


A  watch 
e,  and  a 
proached 
t  he,  be- 
,  left  the 

my  gate, 
,  Cliarles 
•ound  the 
n.     Per- 
red,  I  in- 
its  before 
self.     He 
lost  by  a 
residents 
e,  having 
e's  father 
is  escape, 
inevitably 
n  with  a 
Is,  where, 
ridentially 

I  lost  no 
eral  Price, 
the  above 
lopted  the 
is  officers, 
upon  the 
)  suffer  no 
that  every 
for  service 
)f  the  most 
ider  arrest. 


In  searching  them,  important  conspiracies  were  brought 
to  light.  Correspondence,  implicating  tlic  most  con- 
siderable residents,  was  read,  and  a  plot  was  detected 
of  subjecting  Santa  Fe  to  the  same  8t.  Bartholomew 
massacre  as  had  just  been  visited  upon  Taos.  The 
city  was  placed  under  martial  law,  and  every  American 
that  could  shoulder  a  musket  was  called  into  imme- 
diate service.  All  the  ox-drivers,  mule-drivers,  mer- 
chants, clerks,  and  commissariat-men  were  formed  into 
rank  and  file,  and  placed  in  a  condition  for  holding  the 
city.  Then,  placing  himself  at  the  head  of  his  army, 
four  hundred  strong,  General  Price  marched  tovard 
Taos.  On  arriving  at  Canjarra,  a  small  town  about 
twenty  miles  from  Santa  Fe,  we  found  the  enemy, 
numbering  two  thousand  Mexicans  and  Indians,  were 
prepared  to  give  us  battle.  The  enemy's  lines  were 
first  perceived  by  our  advanced  guard,  which  instantly 
fell  back  upon  the  main  body.  Our  line  was  formed, 
and  an  advance  made  upon  the  enemy,  the  mountain- 
eer company,  under  Captain  Saverine,  being  placed  in 
charge  of  the  baggage.  As  soon  as  battle  was  begun, 
however,  we  left  the  baggage  and  ammunition  wagons 
to  take  care  of  themselves,  and  made  a  descent  upon 
the  foe.  He  fled  precipitately  before  the  charge  of 
our  lines,  and  we  encamped  upon  the  field  of  battle. 
The  next  day  we  advanced  to  Lamboda,  where  the 
enemy  made  another  stand,  and  again  fled  on  our  ap- 
proach. We  marched  on  until  we  arrived  at  Taos, 
and  the  barbarities  we  witnessed  there  exceeded  in 
brutality  all  my  previous  experience  with  the  Indians. 
Bodies  of  our  murdered  fellow-countrymen  were  lying 
about  the  streets,  mutilated  and  disfigjired  in  every 
possible  way,  and  the  hogs  and  dogs  were  making  a 
repast  upon  the  remains.     Among  the  dead  we  rec- 


480 


AUTOIUO(iKAI'Hl'    OF 


oi^iiizcd  lli.'it  of  (Jovon\or  lU'iil,  wlio  had  been  rceently 
;i[tj)oinl(Ml  \)y  (icncrjil  Kearney.  One  pojr  victim  wo 
Haw,  wiio  luid  been  slripiM'd  naked,  .scal})(Ml  aUve,  and 
Ids  eyes  pinielied  out:  lie  wa«  i!;i'o})ing  his  way  tliiough 
llie  shvelM,  besiM'chini:;  sonic,  one  to  shoot  liini  onl  oi' 
his  misery,  whih',  his  inhuman  Mexican  tormentors 
were  deriving  liic  gr(>atcsl  anmsement  iVoin  the  exhil)i- 
lion.  Such  scenes  of  nnexampU'd  barbarity  (iUed  our 
s«)Idi«MS*  br(>asls  with  abliorrenee  :  they  became  tig(U- 
like  in  their  cravinLi;  tor  rcviMiire.  Our  pcneral  (brect- 
ed  the  di\'<(Hra<ed  rcMuains  to  b(»  ;ratliered  loi^i^ther,  and 
.1  guard  to  be  |)hiccd  over  tlu'iu,  whih'  he  marched  on 
with  his  army  in  pursuit  ol'lhir  barbarians. 

Late  in  the  al'lernoon  we  arri\e<l  at  I'uebh),  where  wc 
t'ound  ihc  enemy  well  j)ostcd,  !'M\ing  an  adobe  tort  in 
ihiMr  front.  No  altat'k  was  a(icni|»lcd  lliat  evening, 
and  strict  orders  were  issuccl  for  no  man  to  venture  out 
ol'  camp. 

In  th(^  cvcnln<>'  I  was  visited  bv  a  man,  wlio  inform- 
ed  u\c  tliat  ho  had  a  brother  at  \i\o  ^b)ndo,  twelve  mih\s 
(bstant.  wiiom,  if  he  was  not  already  killed,  he  wished 
lo  savt^  iVom  massacr(\  I  (K'terminiMl  to  rescue  him, 
if  pt)ssiblc.  and,  hM\ing  indiicetl  seven  other  good  and 
trusty  mountaineers  to  aid  nu^,  in  the  attempt,  wc  left 
the  camp  unj)erceived,  and  proceeded  to  the  place  indi- 
cated. C)n  our  arrival  we  found  two  or  three  hundred 
Mcxu*aus,  all  wdl  armed;  Ave  rode  boldly  past  them, 
and  they  dispers(Hl,  many  of  them  going  to  their  homes. 
AVe  reached  the  door  of  the  31exiean  general  Mon- 
taia,  who  stvled  himself  the  "Santa  Anna  of  the 
North,"  and  captured  him.  AVe  then  liberated  the  pris- 
oner we  were  in  quest  of,  and  returned  to  Taos  with 
our  captive  general.  At  Taos  we  found  our  forces, 
which  had  retired  npon  that  place  from  Pueblo,  after 


jami:h  v.  RKCKWoumff. 


487 


recently 
dim  wo 
JVC,  and 
through 
I  out  ol' 
'inontorrt 
',  oxhibi- 
IUUmI  our 
uc  ligor- 
il  (lirect- 
thcr,  ami 
veiled  oil 

wliorc  we 

>c  fort  in 

cwMiing, 

nUu'c  out 

()  inforni- 
>lvc  miles 
iie  wishoil 
scuo  him, 
irood  and 
)t,  we  left 
dace  inili" 
e  hundred 
)ast  them, 
cir  homes, 
cral  Vien- 
na of   the 
d  the  pris- 
Taos  with 
)m'  forces, 
Lcblo,  after 


having  made  an  tmsuecesHful  .Mttemj)i  to  dislodge  the 
enemy.  VVe  informe<l  our  general  of  our  important 
capture,  and  he  afTceted  great  displeasure  at  our  diso- 
bedience of  orders,  although  it  was  easy  to  see  that,  in 
his  eyes,  the  end  had  justified  the  means  1'he  follow- 
*ing  njorning  a  gallows  was  erected,  and  Mitnfnja  was 
swung  in  the  wind.  The  correspondence  that  had  been 
seized  in  Santa  Fc  had  implicated  him  in  some  of  the 
blackest  plots,  and  we  thought  that  this  summary  dis- 
posal of  his  generalship  would  relieve  us  from  all  fur- 
ther danger  from  his  machinations. 

Having  procured  artillery  to  bom})ard  the  enemy's 
position,  our  connnander  ret'-rned  to  Pueldo.  We  can- 
nonaded in  good  earnest,  but  the  pieces  were  too  sn»all 
to  be  of  nnich  service;  but  we  cut  a  Ineach  with  our 
axes  halfway  through  the  six-foot  wall,  and  then  iin- 
ished  the  work  with  our  cannon.  While  engaged  in  this 
nov«3l  way  of  getting  at  the  (Miemy,  a  shell  was  thrown 
from  a  morlar  at  the  fort ;  but  our  artillerymen,  not 
being  very  skillful  in  their  jjraclice,  tlnTAV  the  shell  out- 
side the  fort,  and  it  fell  among  us.  A  young  licmtenant 
seized  it  in  his  hands,  and  cast  it  through  the  breach ; 
it  had  not  more  than  stru(;k  before  it  ex[)loded,  doing 
considerable  damage  in  the  fort.  We  then  stormed  the 
breach,  which  was  only  big  enough  to  admit  one  man 
at  a  time,  and  can'ied  the  place  without  diflicul ty. 

The  company  oi'  mountaineers  had  fallen  back  mid- 
way between  the  fort  and  mountain,  in  order  to  pick  off 
any  iMexican  who  should  (hue  to  show  himself.  We 
killed  iifty-four  of  the  detenders  as  they  were  endeav- 
oring to  escape,  u])on  the  person  of  one  of  whom,  an 
ofticer,  we  found  one  hundred  and  sixty  douljloons. 
Some  of  the  enemy  iired  upon  us  from  a  j)osition  at  one 
corner  of  the  fort,  through  loop-holes  ;  and  while  look- 


488 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


ing  about  for  a  covert  to  get  a  secure  shot  at  them,  we 
discovered  a  few  of  the  enemy  hidden  away  in  the 
bnisli.     One  of  them,  an  Indian,  ran  toward  us,  cx- 


clti 


an 


nmg, 


*'J^ueno!  Imenol  me  like  Americanos."    One 


of  our  party  said,  "  If  you  like  the  Americans,  take  this 
sword,  and  rctur.i  to  the  brush,  and  kill  all  the  men 
you  find  tlierc." 

lie  took  the  proffered  sword,  and  was  busy  in  the 
hrusli  for  a  few  minutes,  and  then  returned  with  his 
sword-blade  dripping  with  gore,  saying,  "  I  have  killed 
them."' 

*'  Then  you  ought  to  die  for  killing  your  own  peo- 
ple," said  the  American,  and  he  shot  the  Indian  dead. 

The  battle  lasted  through  the  whole  day,  and  a  close 
watcli  was  set  at  night  to  ])revent  tlie  escape  of  those 
yet  occupying  the  fort.  The  assault  was  renewed  the 
following  morning,  and  continued  during  that  day  also. 
Toward  niglit  several  white  flags  were  raised  by  the 
enemy,  but  were  inmiediately  shot  down  by  the  Amer- 
icans, who  had  determined  to  show  no  quarter.  On 
the  third  morning  all  the  women  issued  from  the  fort, 
each  bearing  a  white  flag,  and  kneeled  before  the  gen- 
eral to  supplicate  for  the  lives  of  their  surviving  friends. 
The  general  was  j  prevailed  upon,  and  gave  orders  to 
cease  firing.  The  enemy  lost  severely  through  their 
disgraceful  cowardice.  Our  company  lost  but  one  man 
through  the  whole  engagement.  Nine  of  tlie  most 
prominent  conspirators  were  hanged  at  I'aos,  and  seven 
or  eight  more  at  Santa  Fe.  It  was  about  this  time 
that  the  report  reached  us  of  the  butchery  of  Mr.  Wal- 
do, with  eight  or  ten  other  Americans,  at  the  Moro. 

After  the  insurrection  was  suppressed  I  started  again 
for  Fort  Leavenworth.  On  my  way  back  from  the  fort 
I  again  fell  in  with  Black  Shield  and  his  Apaches.     I 


JAMES    P.   BKCKWOl'R'!  II. 


48y 


hem,  we 
f  in  the 
.  ufl,  ex- 
)."  One 
take  this 
the  men 

?y  in  the 
with  his 
ive  killed 

own  peo- 
ian  dead, 
id  a  close 
5  of  those 
lewed  the 
day  also, 
cd  by  the 
:hc  Amer- 
rter.     On 
[1  the  fort, 
e  the  gen- 
ig  friends, 
orders  to 
3ugh  their 
it  one  man 
the  most 
and  seven 
tliis  time 
f  Mr.  Wal- 
B  Moro. 
arted  again 
3m  the  fort 
paches.     I 


said  to  him,  *'  You  told  mc  falso.  Vou  said  tliat  yon 
would  meet  me  at  tiie  Kaglo's  Xest,  hut  when  1  went 
there  you  were  not  to  Ix;  found.  I  had  to  tlirow  the 
powder  away  tliat  1  brought  for  you,  and  run  for  my 
life;  for  tlio  wliitcs  discovered  my  cmmd,  and  were 
close  at  my  IiccIh." 

"1  know  it,  my  friend,"  said  tlie  Rhick  Shield.  "We 
saw  your  kegs  tlicre,  hut  the  wliites  had  taken  all  the 
powder  out.  I  am  sorry  tliey  came  upon  you  so  sud- 
denly, for  we  had  to  run  as  well  as  you." 

Tlie  second  day  after  we  left  the  Apar-iics  we  discov- 
ered an  object  in  the  distance  which  1  at  first  took  for 
a  stump,  but  still  thought  it  singular  that  there  should 
be  a  stump  where  there  were  no  trees  near.  iVs  we  ap- 
proached the  object  mo'.ed,  and  we  at  length  discover- 
ed it  to  be  a  man  of  the  name  of  Elliott  Lee,  who  had 
been  wounded  by  the  Apaclics  three  or  four  days  pre- 
viously, and  had  not  tasted  food  since.  He  had  be- 
longed to  a  party  of  seventeen  or  eighteen  mountain- 
eers, on  their  way  to  Santa  Fe.  They  had  stopi)ed  to 
rest  on  the  bank  of  a  creek,  and  were  suddenly  set 
upon  by  the  Indians.  Several  of  the  party  were  killed, 
among  whom  was  my  friend  Charles  Towne,  and  all 
the  rest  were  more  or  less  severely  wounded.  Some 
few  had  succeeded  in  getting  away,  notwithstanding 
their  wounds  ;  but  Mr.  Lee  had  been  shot  in  the  thigh, 
and  was  unable  to  crawl  along.  When  we  picked  him 
up  he  was  dehrious,  and  his  wound  was  gTcatly  swollen 
and  inflamed.  We  gave  him  food,  and  carried  him 
along  with  us,  until  we  fortunately  came  up  with  his 
wagons.  We  then  gave  him  into  the  keeping  of  his 
friends,  and  proceeded  on  our  way. 

On  my  arrival  home  I  disposed  of  all  my  property 
in  Santa  Fe,  and  started  to  buy  liorses  of  the  Indians 

X  2 


I<M» 


Ai  romnniMi'MV  or 


lo  ili'jpo'K'  nl"  <o  flic  tliM('li!nf>,r<l  (rt»oj»M.  I  liiul  nniM'il 
willim  i\  mIiovI  iliMdinrr  ol"  my  imiu  li,  wlirii  I  iml  n  mimii 
w  Ito  (nl\iMt'i|  nir  lo  roMtp.-il  iiiVMrll",  Two  r<"\VfinlH  liiwl 
Ixri)  ol)rr(<i|  |i>|-  no  .'i|i|Mi'li(>tiMion  :  niir  ol  .'i  t linlifuiiiil 
(loll.'iVM  li\  ( 'olnnrl  rrn(>,  iiixl  miiuHu'v  ol  li\r  IiiiihIiiiI 
<li>ll.n  '  li\  Mr.  KiMM.irk,  (,hi.nl<M  niMnlrv.  I  wmh  ni'- 
iMtm'd  oT  conrnlnMlin/!,  uilli  icIk'Im  iuhI  ImliMiin,  oikI  mh- 
;iisliii!\  (luMn  in  M(r;ilinj';  liovMrM  (Voni  i\w  uliilcM,  nml 
lrM<lin(\  \\\o  IioM(il«>  IiihuIm  in  jlicir  wjnliirr  ii|>nn  llir 
Anit'vicr.n  lvoo|)M. 

I  lislonrd  lo  InM  inrovnidlion,  nn»l  \\t\H  MMloniMlicMJ  al 
ihc  in\rnlion.  "Th.-H  im  ih>\\  m  indrcd."  I  Mdid.  "Ilul 
(lu^\  sh;»ll  nol  li.'i\c  lli(>  |>roli(  ail  lo  llioniMclx  cm  :  I  will 
nnnK'dialcIv  I'o  and  deliver  ni>  mcII  np,  and  olifain  llu^ 
vcwardM." 

"  I  ad\iMC  yon.  as  a  I'vicml,  nol  lo  go,  "  rejoined  my 
intiMloeiifor,  "lor  llie\  will  auMnredh  iianc'  \«mi  dire<'l- 
Iv  (hev  \;\\    hands  npon  yt»n." 

"  \\  ell.  hang  or  nol  hang,"  I  answered,  "  I  am  re- 
solvinl  lo  !\o.  Tor  I  have  nol  Ikmmj  a  nionlh  alinenl  iVonj 
Sanla  IV.  and  I  can  giv<'  Jieeoinil  oT  every  day  and 
nighl   \  ha\e  since  spenl." 

Al  lh(^  linu^  i  n\(M  wilh  my  inlormaul,  I  had  an  order 
tVom  Caplain  Morris,  o{'  the  Ihnled  Slajes  Army,  in 
mv  |H>ck(M.  anlhori^.itig  me  \o  pick  np  all  ihc  govcrn- 
menl  1ums«^s  liial  1  n\ighl  lind  in  my  ramhies,  and  Ining 
them  in:  bnl  up  to  ihe  lime  ihal  1  was  informed  ol' 
tho  charges  againsl  me,  1  luid  t'onntl  iuil  onc^  liorsc,  Ihe 
properly  ol'  C\»]>lain  Saverino,  and  il  1  had  reslored 
io  the  owner.  Aceordingly,  1  relnrnod  wilho"l  delay 
to  Taos,  where  1  saw  (\>lonel  Willock,  who  was  lien- 
tenanl  muler  Cvdonel  Priee.  llini  I  ao(|nainl(Ml  wilh 
my  dotovn\ination  io  pn>ceod  to  Santu  l'V\  to  deliver 
mysclt'  up  iov  tlio  rewards  that  were  olforcd  for  my  ap- 


.MMIH    f.    MI,('K\V(M  IMM, 


l!M 


(ivrivrd 
>(  II  niiiti 

linii  ;mii<I 
Innnlird 
WilM  nr 
,  ihhI  hm- 
ilcM,  iiihI 
||H)M    ili<< 

iiiMlird  nl 
1.  -Unl 
'H  ;  I  will 
lilniii  <Ih>. 

oinod  my 
ovi  dinrl- 

^  I  jmv  ro- 

iM(>nl  iVoin 

i\i\y  jmd 

il  iin  ()V<l<'r 
Annv,  ill 

aud  l)rit>p; 

d  ivslovrd 
li(>"t  delay 
)  was  liiMi- 
\inlrd  with 
,  to  deliver 
for  my  ap- 


liiehenMinii,  |»ii(  Im-  uryv\\\\\  rr(|iM-.«(d  nir  uu\  fo  in,. 
Mr  WilH  nliuiit  lo  MfMil  Willi  nil  r  \|mm||||iiii  »iir„i,,  ;(  f||p 
/\|iarlirM,  find  uiMJH'd  to  ciij-nMr  u\r  /i  i  m|iv.  idlniii  •I't, 
and  iriitdr.  ||<<  |iroiiiiM(>d  In  Imwaid  mm  cm  iil|,/il(.rv 
irllri- (u  SmiiIm  \''r  thai  Hlioiild  ml  nic  mII  ii-'IiI  uiIIi  flic 
aiifliori(irM.  'I'Im-  jrllrr  wan  kcmI,  lail  not  drliv.ird,  ;i,', 
(lie  iiicHMnijM'i-  w/iH  hIimI  on  (he  way. 

I  coiicliidc-d  jo  a<roni)iaMV  lla-  rfdoiMJ,  and  aid  liini 
<i»  (la-rxlrnl  olniv  alalily  in  flic  oLjerf  (,!'  lii.-4  xjicdi- 
(i(tn.  W'r  Mlarlcd  vvilli  a  Minall  liatlfilion  of  » ,,liin(r'crH 
Inr  (he  A|tae.ln'H.  'I'lic  liiK.(  d/iy  in  caniii,  llic  cornnion 
HoIdier'H  Ian'  wan  Mprrad  lor  «linnrr,  v  lii(  li  ,i(  iIimI  tirnc 
I  r<"l(  lint  litllr  a|i|ii<lilc  for.  |  inlornird  (he  colonel 
dial   I   WHiild  j^.,  oiil  and  lull  an  anl(lo|ic. 

"  Why,"  Maid  Im«,  "  IImmt  in  nol  an  anl»|o|ic  williin 
Icn  niileM  around  ;  llir  HoldiriH  liavc  Hconrcd  thr  wliole 
eiainlry  willaail,  nrrin/j;  one" 

I  l(dd  liiin  I  Ull  snif  I  eonid  lind  one,  and  took  lit) 
my  lillr  and  wan  alxml  lo  nlarl. 

''ll..l<lon!"riird  IIm'coIoimI;"!  vvillfro  williy()ii,and 
will  lurllKM- iMiga^^r  lo  park  oi<  rny  liack  all  you  !<ill." 

We  Hiarird,  and  kepi  on  llir  road  lor  a,l)oul,  half  a 
nnle,  when  I  diMi-overed  llir  IraekM  of  llirev  anlfdopew 
wliieli  had  juMi  eroHHed  our  palh,  and  ^ro,„.  j,,  ||„.  din-c- 
lioii  of  a,  hill  cIomc  Uy.  'V\w,  colonel  did  „o|  sec,  IJm! 
IraekM,  and  I  did  nol  point,  I  hem  out  to  him.  VV(;  paMH- 
ed  on  a  lew  rodH  I'arMier,  when  I  MU»ldenly  Klo])ped, 
threw  njy  head  haek,  and  began  to  Hriiil"  like  a  dog 
Heenling  Ium  j)rey. 

'*  \\'hal,  the  dicken.M  are,  you  Hnifling  ho  for?"  aHkod 
the  colonel . 

*'  I  am  m\v  that  I  mmk^II  an  anhdopo,"  .said  I. 
'' Vou   .sniell  anielope!"  and  the  colonel's  noHtrllfl 
began  to  dilate  ;   "  I  can  wmeil  nothing." 


492 


AUTOmOGKAPIIY   OF 


♦'  Well,  colonel,"  I  said,  "  tlicrc  arc  antclopos  close 
by,  I  know,  lor  my  Hmoliers  never  yet  deceived  mc ; 
and  nou',"  added  1,  "if  you  will  start  carefully  up  that 
liollow,  1  will  go  up  on  the  otiicr  .side,  and  I  am  con- 
lidcnt  tiiat  one  of  us  will  kill  one." 

I  knew  that  if  the  animals  were  in  the  hollow  they 
would  start  at  the  a])proaeh  of  the  colonel,  and  most 
probably  in  my  direction,  and  thus  afllbrd  mc  an  op- 
portunity of  getting  a  shot  at  one.  1  proceeded  cau- 
tiously along,  until,  raising  my  head  over  a  knoll,  I 
saAv  th.c  three  antelopes  which  had  crossed  us.  Two 
had  already  lain  down,  and  the  third  was  preparing  to 
do  so,  when  I  sent  a  leaden  messenger  which  brought 
him  down  involuntarily. 

The  colonel  shouted  to  inquire  what  I  had  shot  at. 

"Antelope,"  I  answered;  and  he  came  running  at 
his  best  s})ced.  There  was  the  very  beast,  beyond  all 
dispute,  to  the  utter  astonishment  of  the  colonel,  who 
regarded  for  some  moments  first  the  game  and  then 
the  hunter 

"  And  you  smelled  them !"  lie  pondered  ;  "  well,  I 
must  confess,  your  olfactor^  nerves  beat  those  of  any 
man  I  ever  yet  fell  in  with.  Smell  antelope  1  Humph! 
I  will  send  my  boy  to  carry  him  in." 

"But  that  was  not  the  bargain,  colonel,"  I  said; 
"  you  engaged  to  pack  in  on  your  back  all  I  should 
kill.    There  is  your  burden  ;  the  distance  is  but  short." 

But  the  colonel  declined  his  engagement.  We 
finally  hung  the  antelope  on  a  tree,  and  the  colonel,  on 
our  return  to  camp,  dispatched  his  servant  to  fetch  it 
in.  lie  never  could  get  over  my  smelling  antelope, 
and  we  have  had  many  a  hearty  laugh  at  it  since. 

The  following  morning,  at  daylight,  I  took  five  or 
six  men  with  me,  and  proceeded  on  my  duty  as  spy, 


lopos  close 
X'ivcd  mc; 
lly  up  that 
,  I  am  con- 

loUow  they 
,  and  most 
mc  an  op- 
cccded  cau- 
'  a  knoll,  I 
[  us.  Two 
»rcparing  to 
ich  brought 

ad  shot  at. 
running  at 
,  beyond  all 
olonel,  who 
c  and  then 

"  well,  I 
lose  of  any 
Humph! 

|l,"  I  said ; 
11  I  should 
Ibut  short." 
lent.  We 
colonel,  on 
to  fetch  it 
antelope, 
since. 
)ok  five  or 
ity  as  spy, 


JAMES    p.    BECKWOURTII. 


49.T 


while  the  colonel  moved  on  with  the  troops,  we  return- 
ing to  camp  every  evening  at  dusk.  Wc  frequently 
saw  signs  of  Indians,  but  we  could  make  no  discovery 
of  the  Indians  tiiomsclves.  We  continued  our  chase 
for  nearly  a  montli ;  our  coffee  and  sugar  had  given 
out,  and  our  provisions  were  getting  low  ;  tlic  soldiers 
could  kill  no  game,  and  there  ,vas  a  general  disposi- 
tion, especially  among  the  ofHcers,  to  return. 

In  leaving  the  camp,  as  usual,  one  morning,  1  direct- 
ed the  colonel  to  a  camping-ground,  and  started  on  my 
search.  Late  in  the  afternoon,  1  discovered  wliat  I 
supposed  to  be  a  large  party  of  Indians  moving  in  our 
direction.  I  ran  with  all  possible  speed  to  conmiuni- 
cate  the  information  ;  but,  in  ascending  a  small  point 
of  land  which  was  in  my  way,  I  found  a  strange  en- 
campment of  United  States  troo})s  lying  before  me.  I 
knew  it  was  not  Colonel  Willock's  command,  for  these 
had  tents,  wagons,  and  other  appointments,  which  we 
were  unprovided  with.  When  I  was  first  perceived, 
some  of  the  men  pointed  me  out  to  their  companions  ; 
"There's  BeckwourthI  there's  Jim  Beckwourth  I"  I 
heard  whispered  around.  I  found  it  was  a  detachment 
commanded  by  Colonel  Edmondson,  who  had  just  re- 
turned from  Santa  Fe  with  a  re-enforcement,  having 
been  defeated  in  an  engagement  with  the  Apaches  some 
time  previously.  When  the  colonel  saw  me,  he  in- 
quired of  me  my  errand. 

"  I  have  come  after  horses,"  I  replied,  en  jjlci'isant- 
ant  ;   "  but  I  see  you  have  none." 

"  Beckwourth,"  said  a  Captain  Donolme,  "  I  have 
been  defending  your  character  for  a  long  time,  and  I 
now  want  you  to  clear  up  matters  for  yourself." 

I  found  I  was  not  in  very  good  savor  among  the 
parties  present,  owing  to  a  mistake  in  my  identity 


494 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OF 


arms !" 
behind 


made  by  one  of  the  soldieis  during  their  late  engage- 
ment with  the  Indians.  It  was  supposed  I  had  enter- 
ed their  camp,  hurled  my  iance  through  a  soldier,  and 
challenged  another  out  to  fight,  telling  him  he  was  paid 
lor  fighting,  and  it  was  his  duty  to  engage  me.  This 
suspicion,  added  to  flying  reports  of  evil  doings,  which 
derived  their  origin  in  the  Crow  village  from  my  ad- 
venture with  Fitzpatriek,  had  associated  me  in  the  sol- 
diers' minds  with  all  the  horse-raids  and  white  mas- 
sacres they  heard  rumors  of,  and  I  was  regarded  by 
them  all  as  a  desperate,  lawless  character,  who  deserved 
hanging  to  the  first  tree  wherever  met. 

At  this  moment  two  men  came  running  toward  the 
camp  at  full  speed,  shouting,  "  To  arms !   to 
us   though   the    whole  Apache    nation  were 
them. 

"  Where  is  your  party  ?"  asked  Colonel  Edmondson 
of  me. 

"  Coming  yonder,  sir,"  I  replied,  pointing  in  the  di- 
rection of  the  two  approaching  heralds;  for  I  supposed 
it  was  Colonel  Willock's  command  they  had  seen, 
and  whom,  in  their  fright,  they  had  mistaken  for  In- 
dians. 

Immediately  there  wa^^  a  bustle  of  preparation  to 
receive  the  coming  foe :  muskets  were  snatched  up, 
and  the  men  fell  into  line ;  but  in  a  few  moments  the 
real  character  of  the  approaching  company  was  ascer- 
tained, and  the  colonel  advanced  to  greet  them.  At 
the  junction  of  the  two  parties,  both  engaged  on  the 
same  errand,  matters  were  discussed  by  the  two  col- 
onels, and  it  was  resolved  to  abandon  the  expedition, 
for  it  was  manifest  that  the  Indians  were  too  much  on 
the  alert  to  be  taken.  I  was  dispatched  to  Santa  Fe 
with  a  letter  to  Colonel  Price  from  Colonels  Edmond- 


JAMES   P.   BECKWOURTH. 


495 


son  and  Willock,  while  they  resolved  to  march  back 
with  their  detachments,  Colonel  Edniondson  to  Santa 
Fe,  and  Colonel  AVillock  to  Taos. 

The  morning  following  I  again  set  out  for  Fort 
Leavenworth,  having  for  companion  M'lntosh,  who, 
by  the  way,  was  a  Cherokee,  and  known  as  such  to 
the  Indians  whom  we  fell  in  with  on  the  road.  We 
reached  the  fort  without  any  accident,  and  delivered 
our  dispatelies  safe.  On  our  return  we  overtook  BuUard 
and  Company's  trains  of  wagons,  which  v/ere  on  their 
way  to  Santa  Fe  with  supplies  for  the  army.  Bullard 
and  his  partner  proposed  to  leave  their  charge  and  go  in 
with  us,  if  I  thought  we  would  be  able  to  keep  up  with 
them.  I  answered  that  we  would  try  and  keep  their 
company  as  far  as  possible,  but  that  they  would  be  at 
liberty  to  piuceed  at  any  time  that  they  considered  we 
retarded  them.  They  went  with  us  as  f:tr  as  the 
Moro,  two  days'  ride  from  Santa  Fe,  whc^re  we  were 
compelled  to  leave  them,  as  they  were  tired  out,  and 
had  already  detained  us  two  full  days. 

My  next  engagement  in  the  service  of  Uncle  Sam 
was  a  trip  to  Chihualiua  to  convey  dispatciies ;  but, 
previous  to  starting.  Captain  MoiTif?  wished  to  engage 
me  as  guide  in  an  expedition  against  the  Utah  Indians  ; 
so,  preferring  the  latter  service,  I  transferred  my  trust 
to  my  brave  and  faithful  friend,  M'Intosh,  and  accom- 
panied Captain  Morris.  The  expedition  consisted  of 
ninety  men:  the  object  was  a  treaty  of  peace  with 
the  Utahs.  We  succeeded  in  finding  the  Indians; 
but,  as  they  supposed  our  only  object  was  to  fight,  it 
was  some  time  before  we  could  get  up  to  them.  We 
at  length  surprised  them  in  a  gap  in  the  mountain, 
when  we  succeeded  in  taking  a  number  of  prisoners, 
among  whom  were  some  chiefs.     We  explained  our 


496 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


object ;  they  then  frankly  informed  us  where  their  vil- 
lage was ;  we  all  repaired  to  it,  and  concluded  terms 
of  peace.  Our  a})proach  greatly  alarmed  tiie  village  at 
first,  for  they  knew  that,  in  conjunction  with  tlie  Apa- 
ches, they  had  been  guilty  of  many  depredations,  al- 
though it  had  been  their  policy  to  throw  all  tlie  blame 
of  the  mischief  upon  their  allies.  Our  mission  per- 
formed, we  returned  to  Taos. 

I  remained  some  weeks  inactive.  Taos  was  con- 
vulsed with  continual  alarms  from  reports  that  Cortez 
was  approaching  against  us  with  a  great  force.  The 
troops  were  all  away  at  Santa  Ye  ;  though,  had  he  vis- 
ited us,  we  could  have  imp-oviscd  a  warm  reception. 
We  had  a  small  piece  of  cannon,  with  plenty  of  grape 
and  canister,  with  which  we  could  have  swept  the 
streets.  We  tried  its  effect  one  day,  just  to  satisfy 
tlie  curiosity  of  the  Mexicans :  we  put  in  a  heavy 
charge  of  grape-shot,  and  discharged  it  down  the  street. 
The  tawny  ]\Icxicans  were  wonder-stricken :  they 
thought  an  army  would  stand  but  a  poor  chance  be- 
fore such  a  volcanic  belching  of  iron  missiles. 

Poultry  in  the  vicinity  of  Taos  became  exceeding 
scarce:  it  was  a  rare  matter  to  hear  a  cock  crow. 
When  we  did  by  chance  hear  the  pleasing  sound, 
we  would  listen  for  the  repetition  of  it,  in  order  to 
learn  from  which  direction  it  proceeded.  We  would 
then  visit  the  tell-tale's  quarters  after  dark,  as  we 
could  obtain  our  poultry  cheaper  at  night  than  in  the 
day-time.  Orders  had  been  issued  to  take  nothing 
from  the  enemy  without  paying  for  it,  which  orders 
were  evidently  based  upon  the  assumption  that  we  had 
money  to  pay  with.  Those  without  money  did  not  feel 
themselves  bound  by  the  injunction.  The  authorities 
that  issue  similar  commands  in  future  would  do  well 


JAMES    P.    BECKWOURTII. 


497 


;  their  vil- 
ided  terms 
!  village  at 
1  the  Apa- 
lations,  al- 
tlic  blame 
ission  per- 

i  was  con- 
hat  Cortez 
)rce.     The 
had  he  vis- 
reception, 
ty  of  grape 
swept  the 
i  to  satisfy 
n  a  heavy 
the  street, 
ken :    they 
chance  be- 
s. 

exceeding 
[iock  crow, 
ng  sound, 
n  order  to 
We  would 
ark,  as  we 
ban  in  the 
ce  nothing 
ch  orders 
lat  we  had 
id  not  feel 
Authorities 
Id  do  well 


to  insert  some  clause  binding  on  the  moneyless,  other- 
wise these  orders  arc  all  niooiishino. 

From  Taos  I  ))rocoed(Hl  to  Santa  ]*^e.  I  again  starr- 
ed, for  the  last  dme,  to  Fort  Leavenworth ;  JM'Intosh, 
having  safely  •■eturned  from  Chihuahua,  again  accom- 
panying me.  When  we  arri  cd  at  tlie  Wagon  Mound 
we  heard  shots  tired,  and  inmiediately  after  met  a  train 
of  mule-teams  approaching  at  their  quickest  pace.  The 
drivers  advised  us  to  return,  as  they  had  been  attacked 
by  the  Apaches,  and  if  we  proceeded  we  could  not  es- 
cape being  killed.  I  thought  that  my  companion  and 
I  knew  the  Indians  better  than  the  mule-drivers  did, 
and  we  bade  them  good-by  and  started  on.  vVe  in- 
tended to  avoid  tlie  Indians  by  making  a  circuit  away 
from  where  we  expected  they  would  be,  but  in  so  do- 
ing we  came  directly  upon  the  village.  We  staid  all 
night  with  them,  were  well  treated,  and  resumed  our 
journey  in  the  morning.  We  met  a  party  of  Ameri- 
cans who  had  been  attacked  by  the  Camanches,  and 
lost  one  horse,  but  we  saw  no  more  Indians  until  we 
reached  the  fort. 

Many  times  wonder  has  been  expressed  how  I  could 
always  travel  the  road  in  safety  while  other  men  were 
attacked  and  killed.  The  only  way  in  which  I  could 
account  for  the  marvel  was  that  I  knew  how  to  act  the 
*' wolf,"  while  the  others  did  not.  Of  all  the  dispatch- 
es I  ever  carried,  I  never  lost  one ;  while  numbers  who 
have  undertaken  to  bear  them  lost,  not  alone  the  dis- 
patches, but  th(  ir  lives  ;  for,  whenever  they  fell  in  with 
the  Indians,  they  were  sure  to  be  killed.  The  Indians 
knew  perfectly  well  what  my  business  was.  They 
knew  that  I  was  conveying  orders  backward  and  for- 
ward from  the  great  white  chief  to  his  war  chiefs  in 
New  Mexico.     They  would  frequently  ask  me  what 


498 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


the  ordc^.^  were  wliicli  I  had  with  me.  Sometimes  I 
woukl  tell  them  that  the  great  chief  at  Washington 
was  going  to  sent!  on  a  great  host  of  warriors  to  rub 
them  all  out.  They  would  laugh  heartily  at  the  sup- 
position, for  they  conceived  that  all  the  American  forces 
combined  Avould  hardly  be  a  circumstance  before  them. 
1  promised  to  apprise  them  when  the  white  wamors 
were  to  advanee  against  them,  which  promise  they  con- 
tidently  relied  upon.  I  had  to  say  something  to  keep 
on  good  terms  with  them,  and  answer  their  inquiries 
to  satisfy  them,  and  then  proceed  with  my  business. 
The  war  between  the  great  white  chief  and  the  great 
Mexican  chief  interested  the  Indians  but  little,  though 
their  conviction  was  that  the  Mexican  chief  would  be 
victorious.  Their  sympathy  was  with  the  latter,  from 
motives  of  self-interest.  They  were  now  able  to  go  at 
any  time  and  drive  home  all  the  horses,  cattle,  and 
sheep  that  they  wanted,  together  w  tli  Mexican  chil- 
dren enough  to  take  care  of  them.  If  the  white  chief 
conquered,  they  supposed  he  would  carry  all  the  horses, 
cattle,  and  sheep  home  with  him,  and  thus  leave  none 
for  them. 

The  Camanehes  and  Apaches  have  a  great  number 
of  Mexicans,  of  both  sexes,  among  them,  who  seldom 
manifest  much  desire  to  return  home.  The  women  say 
that  the  Indians  treat  them  better  than  they  are  treat- 
ed at  home.  I  never  met  but  one  exception  to  this 
rule,  and  that  was  a  young  Mexican  woman  captive 
among  the  Camanehes.  She  told  me  that  her  father 
was  wealthy,  and  would  give  me  five  thousand  dollars 
if  I  could  procure  her  restoration.  I  bought  her  of  the 
chief,  and  conveyed  her  to  my  fort,  whence  I  sent  in- 
formation to  her  father  to  acquaint  him  where  he  could 
find  his  daughter.     In  a  few  days  her  father  and  her 


■T»f  • 


ometimes  I 
Nashington 
•iors  to  rub 
at  the  sup- 
rican  forces 
etbre  them, 
itc  wan'iors 
;e  they  con- 
ing to  keep 
dr  inquu'ies 
y  busmess. 
(\  the  great 
ttle,  though 
cf  would  be 
latter,  from 
ble  to  go  at 
cattle,  and 
ixican  chil- 
white  chief 
[  the  horses, 
i  leave  none 

■eat  number 
who  seldom 
!  women  say 
)y  are  treat- 
tion  to  this 
nan  captive 
,t  her  father 
sand  dollars 
it  her  of  the 
;e  I  sent  in- 
ere  he  could 
her  and  her 


JAMES   p.  BECKWOURTir.  499 

luisband  came  to  licr.  She  refused  to  Iiave  any  thine, 
to  say  to  lier  husband,  for  slic  said  he  was  a  coward! 
When  the  LuUans  ...ttacked  the  viHagc,  lie  mounted  ' 
his  liorse  and  Hcd,  leaving  her  to  their  mercy.  Her 
lather  proffered  me  tlie  promised  sum,  Imt  I  only  ac- 
cepted one  tliousand  dollars,  which  returned  me  a  very 
good  profit  on  tlie  cost  of  tlie  goods  1  had  given  to  the 
Indians  for  hor  ransom.  The  woman  returned  home 
with  her  father,  her  valorous  liusband  following  them, 
feiiortly  after  tliis  I  returned  to  Santa  Fe. 


CIIAPTEii  XXXV. 

^Thr?J!    ^T    ^fl'^^'-"r-^y-t'"g   -ith   the   Apaches. -Hostile 
IZrT^  r;'  '^'"  L^^'^^-Most  terrible  Tragedy.-Socie- 

ty  m  California.— Advenlures  with  Grizzly  Bears. 

The  last  dispatdies  T  bore  from  Fort  Leavenworth 
were  addressed  to  California,  and  I  Iiad  undertaken  to 
carry  them  through.  At  Santa  Fe  I  rested  a  week, 
and  then,  takmg  an  escort  of  fifteen  men,  I  started  on 
my  en-and.  On  our  arrival  at  the  village  of  Abbeger 
we  found  a  large  party  of  Apaches,  who  were  in  the 
midst  of  a  drunken  carousal.  We  encamped  inside  the 
corral,  that  being  as  safe  a  place  as  we  could  select. 
Little  Joe,  an  Apache  Chief,  inquired  of  me  what  I  was 
going  to  do  with  these  whites. 

"1  am  going  to  take  them  to  California,"  I  told  him. 

"No,"  said  he,  "you  shall  never  take  them  nearer 
to  California  than  they  are  now." 

"Well,  I  shall  try,"  said  L 

He  held  some  farther  conversation  with  me  of  a  de- 
nunciatory character,  and  then  left  me  to  return  to  the 
liquor-shop. 


500 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OP 


Forcsooiiig  wliat  waa  llkdy  to  result  if  more  liquor 
was  obtained,  I  visited  every  place  in  town  vvjiere  il 
was  kept,  and  informed  every  seller  that,  if  another  droj) 
was  sold  to  the  Indians,  I  would  hang  the  man  that 
did  it  without  a  minute's  delay;  and  I  wouhl  have 
been  as  good  as  my  v/ord,  for  they  were  all  Mexieans, 
and  1  had  felt  no  great  liking  for  them  since  the  awful 
tragedy  at  Taos. 

'*]?ut  the  priest — "  began  one  or  two,  in  expostula- 
tion. 

.I?ut  I  eut  them  short.  ''  I'll  hang  your  priest  just 
as  soon  as  any  of  you,"  I  said,  "if  he  dares  to  intertere 
in  the  matter." 

I  sn])pose  they  intended  to  urge  that  their  priest  had 
uuthori/ed  them  to  sell  lirpuu'S  to  the  Indians.  My  in- 
terdict stopped  them,  for  there  was  no  more  sold  while 
I  was  there. 

The  next  day  I  saw  Little  Joe  in  one  of  the  low- 
saloons  ;  the  stimulus  of  the  liquor  had  left  him,  and 
he  had  what  topers  call  the  horrors.  Tie  begged  me  to 
let  him  have  one  dram  more,  but  I  refused. 

"Whisky,"  I  said,  "puts  all  kinds  of  nonsense  into 
your  head ;  you  get  drunk,  and  then  you  arc  ripe  for 
any  mischief." 

When  he  had  become  perfectly  sober,  he  came  to  me, 
and  again  asked  if  it  were  true  that  I  intended  taking 
those  whites  to  California  with  me. 

I  told  him  that  it  was  perfectly  true. 

"  Well,"  said  Joe,  "  if  you  attempt  it  we  will  kill 
your  whole  party,  and  you  with  them.  You  will  never 
listen  to  us :  your  ears  are  stopped.  We  all  love  you, 
but  we  have  told  you  many  times  that  we  hate  the 
whites,  and  do  not  want  you  to  lead  them  through  our 
hunting-grounds,  and  show  them  our  paths ;  but  you 


VMH 


JAMES    P.   BECKWOUUTII. 


501 


ore  liquor 
[  wlicre  it 
Dtlicr  (Iroj) 

man  thai 
ould  have 
]\loxicanH, 

the  awful 

cxpostula- 

priest  just 
to  iutortoro 

•  priest  had 
IS.  My  in- 
!  sold  while 

of  the  low 
f\  him,  and 
o'lrcd  me  to 

n sense  into 
[ire  ripe  for 

?ame  to  me, 
ded  taking 


ve  will  kill 
w^ill  never 
11  love  yon, 
ve  hate  the 
through  our 
s ;  but  you 


will  not  listen  to  us.  And  now,  if  you  undertake  to 
pass  tlirough  that  cahon^  we  will,  without  fail,  kill 
you  all." 

"Well,"  I  replied,  "I  shall  certainly  go,  so  you  had 
better  g(^t  your  warriors  ready." 

We  packed  our  animals,  and  I  directed  my  men  to 
travel  slowly  wliile  1  went  tlirougli  the  canon.  If  I 
wislied  them  to  advance,  1  would  climb  up  and  show 
myself  to  them  as  a  signal  for  tlicm  to  rusli  through, 
and  reach  me  as  soon  as  possible.  1  then  went  on  all 
alone,  as  1  knew  tliat,  if  1  encountered  Indians  in  the 
cahon^  they  would  not  kill  me  by  myself.  1  passed 
through  without  meetijjg  any,  and  1  signaled  to  the 
men  to  come  on ;  they  soon  joined  me,  and  we  issued 
upon  the  open  prairie.  Here  we  discovered  three  hund- 
red Apach'js,  each  man  leading  his  war-horse.  We 
numbered  eighteen,  two  of  whom  were  Mexicans.  They 
did  not  oifer  to  attack  us,  however,  and  we  continued 
our  route  unmolested,  although  they  kept  on  our  trail 
for  twenty  miles.  A  little  before  dark  we  rested  to  take 
supper,  starting  again  immediately  after  the  meal  was 
finished.     We  saw  no  more  of  the  Apaches. 

The  following  afteiDOon  a  Utah  came  to  us.  I  ask- 
ed him  where  his  village  was.  He  did  not  know,  he 
said,  as  he  had  been  away  some  time.  I  was  going 
out  to  shoot  game  at  the  time,  and  I  took  the  Indian 
with  me,  lendhig  him  a  gun  belonging  to  one  of  my 
men.  I  had  killed  two  or  three  wild  turkeys,  when  my 
Indian,  discovering  deer  some  distance  oft",  went  in  pur- 
suit. I  returned  to  the  camp,  but  the  fellow  had  not 
arrived.  When  we  started  in  the  morning  he  had  not 
shown  himself.  The  second  day  after  the  disappear- 
ance of  the  Indian  with  my  gun,  I  was  some  distance 
in  advance  of  the  party,  when,  on  ascending  a  hill,  I 


602 


AUTOmoaRAPHV    OF 


saw  a  large  party  of  Utahs  ahead.  They  were  lookinp; 
clown,  and  examining  the  trail  very  closely,  to  see  il' 
we  had  passed.  Tliis  convinced  me  that  the  Indian 
fugitive  had  lied  to  me ;  that  he  knew  well  where  his 
village  was,  and  had,  no  doubt,  been  sent  out  from  it 
as  a  spy.  We  held  on  our  way  till  we  came  up  with 
them,  and,  it  being  then  about  noon,  we  halted  to  take 
a  long  rest.  Tlie  Indians  soon  came  flocking  round 
us,  but  I  gave  strict  orders  to  the  men  to  keep  a  good 
look-out,  and  upon  no  account  to  let  them  touch  the 
fire-arms.  They  swarmed  round  the  camp,  entering  it 
one  at  a  time,  and  I  determined  to  make  the  first  troub- 
lesome advance  an  excuse  for  getting  rid  of  them. 

We  packed  up,  and  moved  on  through  the  whole 
mass  of  Indians,  but  they  did  not  venture  an  attack, 
although  it  had  been  their  intention  to  do  so  if  they 
could  have  got  any  advantage  over  us  through  our  neg- 
ligence. They  were  embittered  against  the  whites  at 
that  time,  on  account  of  a  severe  whipping  that  had 
been  recently  inflicted  upon  two  of  their  warriors  by 
Chouteau,  who  had  just  passed  through  them,  for  a  theft 
from  his  camp.  To  receive  a  whipping,  especially  at 
the  hands  of  a  white  man,  is  looked  upon  by  them  as 
a  lasting  infamy,  and  they  would  prefer  death  to  the 
disgrace.  The  next  morning  they  overtook  us  again, 
and  the  Indian  returned  me  my  gun.  I  mollified  them 
with  a  few  trifling  presents,  and  they  finally  left  us  on 
apparently  good  terms. 

The  next  hostile  country  that  lay  upon  our  road  was 
that  of  the  Navajo  tribe.  They  followed  us  through 
their  whole  strip  of  territory,  shouting  after  us,  and 
making  insulting  gestures ;  but  they  took  the  precau- 
tion to  keep  out  of  gun-shot  range,  and  I  did  not  think 
it  worth  my  while  to  chastise  them. 


JAMES    I».   BECKWULKTII. 


:e  lookinp; 
to  see  il" 
he  Indian 
where  his 
ut  from  it 
le  up  with 
ed  to  take 
Ling  round 
2ep  a  good 
touch  the 
entering  it 
first  troub- 
them. 
the  whole 
an  attack, 
so  if  they 
gh  our  neg- 
e  whites  at 
that  had 
►varriors  by 
1,  for  a  theft 
specially  at 
by  them  as 
oath  to  the 
us  again, 
lified  them 
Y  left  us  on 

ur  road  was 
us  through 
'ter  us,  and 
the  precau- 
id  not  think 


The  next  tribe  on  our  route  was  the  Pi-u-chos,  which 
is  also  the  last  before  you  reach  Pueblo  in  CaHfornin. 
The  first  Pi-u-c''es  that  we  came  across  were  an  Indian 
and  his  squaw  engaged  in  digging  roots.  On  seeing 
us  approach,  the  Indian  took  to  his  heels,  leaving  the 
squaw  to  take  care  of  herself.  I  rode  up  to  her  and 
asked  where  her  village  was.  Slie  pointed  in  the  di- 
rection of  it,  but  I  could  not  see  it.  The  next  one  tliat 
I  saw  stooped  and  concealed  himself  in  tlie  grass  im- 
mediately he  found  himseH'  observed ;  but  I  rode  up 
to  him,  and  made  him  show  himself,  not  wishing  to 
have  him  think  that  he  could  escape  our  notice  so  easi- 
ly. He  accompanied  me  for  a  short  distance,  until  an- 
other of  the  tribe  shouted  to  him  from  a  hill,  and  lie 
then  left  me. 

We  encamped  that  night  upon  the  prairie.  At  dusk 
we  observed  the  smoke  of  camp-fires  in  every  direc- 
tion, and  shortly  we  were  visited  by  hundreds  of  In- 
dians, who  entirely  hemmed  us  in ;  but,  on  their  find- 
ing that  we  were  not  ^Mexicans,  they  did  not  ofl'er  to 
molest  us.  They  were  hostile  on  account  of  the  con- 
tinual abductions  of  their  squaws  and  children,  whom 
the  Mexicans  employ  as  domestic  slaves,  and  treat  with 
the  utmost  cruelty. 

We  reached  our  destination  in  safety,  and  I  deliv- 
ered my  dispatches.  I  was  now  inactive  for  some 
time  again,  and  occupied  my  leisure  in  rambling  about 
the  environs  of  Monterey.  I  then  engaged  in  the  serv- 
ice of  the  commissariat  at  Monterey,  to  carry  dispatch- 
es from  thence  to  Captain  Denny's  ranch,  where  I  was 
met  by  another  carrier.  On  my  road  lay  the  mission 
of  St.  Miguel,  owned  by  a  Mr.  Reed,  an  Englishman  ; 
and,  as  his  family  was  a  very  interesting  one,  I  generally 
made  his  home  my  resting-place.     On  one  of  my  vis- 


604 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY    OP 


its,  arriving  about  dusk,  I  entered  the  house  as  usual, 
but  was  surprised  to  sec  no  one  stirring.  I  walked 
about  a  little  to  attract  attention,  and  no  one  coming 
to  mc,  I  stepped  into  the  kitchen  to  look  for  some  of 
the  inmates.  On  the  floor  I  saw  some  one  lying  down, 
asleep,  as  I  supposed.  1  attempted  to  arouse  him  with 
my  foot,  but  he  did  not  stir.  This  seemed  strange, 
and  ray  apprehensions  became  excited  ;  for  the  Indians 
were  very  numerous  about,  and  I  was  afraid  some  mis- 
chief had  been  done.  I  returned  to  my  horse  for  my 
pistols,  then,  ligliting  a  candle,  I  commenced  a  search. 
In  going  along  a  passage,  I  stumbled  over  the  body 
of  a  woman  ;  I  entered  a  room,  and  found  another,  a 
murdered  Indian  woman,  who  had  been  a  domestic.  I 
was  about  to  enter  another  room,  but  I  was  arrested 
by  some  sudden  thought  which  urged  me  to  search  no 
farther.  It  was  an  opportune  admonition,  for  that  very 
room  contained  the  murderers  of  the  family,  who  had 
heard  my  steps,  and  were  sitting  at  that  moment  with 
their  pistols  pointed  to  the  door,  ready  to  shoot  the 
first  person  that  entered.  This  they  confessed  subse- 
quently. 

Thinking  to  obtain  farther  assistance,  I  mounted 
my  horse  and  rode  to  the  nearest  ranch,  a  distance  of 
twenty-four  miles,  where  I  procured  fifteen  Mexicans 
and  Indians,  and  returned  with  them  the  same  night  to 
the  scene  of  the  tragedy.  On  again  entering  the  house, 
we  found  eleven  bodies  all  thrown  together  in  one  pile 
for  the  purpose  of  consuming  them  ;  for,  on  searching 
further,  we  found  the  murderers  had  set  fire  to  the 
dwelling,  but,  ace  rding  to  that  Providence  which  ex- 
poses such  wicked  deeds,  the  fire  had  died  out. 

Fastening  up  the  house,  we  returned  immediately 
back  to  the  ranch  from  which  I  had  started  with  my 


JAML.S    1*.  BECKVVUL'liTlI. 


505 


as  usual, 

I  walked 
nc  coming 
r  some  of 
ing  down, 
e  him  with 
d  strange, 
he  Indians 

some  mis- 
rse  for  my 
d  a  search, 
r  the  body 

another,  a 
)mestic.  I 
as  arrested 
0  search  no 
)r  that  very 
y,  who  had 
oment  with 
shoot  the 
3sed  subse- 

mounted 
distance  of 

Mexicans 
me  night  to 
the  house, 
in  one  pile 
n  searching 
fire  to  the 

which  ex- 
out. 

mmediately 
id  with  my 


party,  making  seventy-two  miles  I  rode  that  night. 
As  soon  as  I  could  obtain  some  rest,  I  started,  in  com- 
pany with  the  alcalde,  for  St.  Louis  Obispo,  where,  it 
was  believed,  we  could  get  assistance  in  capturing  the 
murderers.  Forty  men  in  detached  parties,  moving  in 
different  directions,  went  in  pursuit.  It  was  my  for- 
tune to  find  the  trail,  and  witli  my  party  of  six  men  1 
managed  to  head  off  the  suspected  murderers  so  as  to 
come  up  with  them  in  the  road  from  directly  the  op- 
posite direction  from  Heed's  house.  When  I  came  op- 
\  .site,  one  of  the  men  sang  out,  "  Good-day,  scnors." 
1  replied,  but  kept  on  riding  in  a  lope. 

The  bandits,  thrown  entirely  off  their  guard,  insist- 
ed upon  entering  into  conversation ;  so  1  had  a  fair  op- 
portunity of  marking  them  all,  and  discovering  among 
them  a  horse  belonging  to  the  unfortunate  Heed.  I 
then  rode  to  Santa  Barbara,  a  distance  of  forty  miles, 
and,  with  a  party  of  twenty  men,  started  boldly  in  pur- 
suit. After  much  hard  travel,  we  finally  came  upon 
the  gang,  encamped  for  the  night.  Without  a  mo- 
ment's hesitation,  we  charged  on  them,  and  gave  a  vol- 
ley of  rifles,  which  killed  one,  and  wounded  all  the 
others,  save  an  American  named  Dempsey.  The  vil- 
lains fought  like  tigers,  but  were  finally  mastered  and 
made  prisoners. 

Dempsey  turned  state's  evidence.  He  stated  that, 
on  the  night  of  the  murder,  his  party  stopped  at  Reed's; 
that  Reed  told  them  that  he  had  just  retmned  from 
the  mines,  whereupon  it  was  determined  to  kill  the 
whole  family  and  take  his  gold,  which  turned  out  to 
be  the  pitiful  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars.  After  the 
confession  of  Dempsey,  we  shot  the  murderers,  along 
with  the  "  state's  evidence,"  and  thus  ended  the  lives 
of  two  Americans,  two  Englishmen,  and  ten  Irishmen, 

Y 


506 


AUTOUIOGUAl'HY    OF 


they  having  committed  the  mo.st  diabolical  deed  that 
ever  disgraced  the  annals  of  frontier  life. 

I  continued  in  this  service  of  carrying  dispatches 
some  four  months,  varying  my  route  with  an  occasion- 
al trip  to  San  Francisco.  At  this  time  society  in  Cal- 
ifornia was  in  the  worst  condition  to  be  found,  prob- 
ably, in  any  part  of  the  world,  to  call  it  civilized.  The 
report  of  the  discovery  of  gold  had  attracted  thither 
lawless  and  desperate  characters  from  all  parts  of  the 
earth,  and  the  government  constituted  for  their  con- 
trol was  a  weaker  element  than  the  offenders  it  had  to 
deal  with.  The  rankest  excesses  were  familiar  occur- 
rences, and  men  were  butclcred  under  the  very  eyes 
of  the  officers  of  justice,  and  no  action  was  taken  in 
the  matter.  What  honest  men  there  were  became 
alarmed,  and  frequently  would  abandon  the  richest 
placers  for  the  mere  security  of  their  lives,  and  leave  a 
whole  community  of  rowdies  to  prey  upon  each  other. 
Disorder  attained  its  limit,  and  some  reactionary  means 
would  naturally  be  engendered  as  a  corrective  to  the 
existing  evils.  The  establishment  of  "Vigilance  Com- 
mittees" among  the  better  order  of  citizens  operated  as 
a  thunderbolt  upon  the  conniving  civil  officers  and  the 
rank  perpetrators  of  crime.  Scores  of  villains  were 
snatched  from  the  hands  of  these  mock  officers,  and 
summarily  strung  up  to  the  limb  of  the  nearest  tree. 
Horse  and  cattle  thieves  had  their  necks  disjointed 
so  frequently  that  it  soon  became  safe  for  a  man  to 
leave  his  horse  standing  in  the  street  for  a  few  mo- 
ments, while  he  stepped  into  a  house  to  call  upop  his 
friend,  and  that  widely-practiced  business  was  quickly 
done  away  with. 

Such  sudden  justice  overtook  murderers,  robbers, 
and  other  criminals,  that  honest  people  began  to  breathe 


JAMi:s  p.  nixKwoLiaii. 


507 


jccl  that 

(patches 
ccasion- 
'  in  Cal- 
1(1,  prob- 
hI.    The 
I  thither 
ts  of  the 
lieir  con- 
it  had  to 
ar  occur- 
'ery  eyes 
taken  in 
3  became 
^c  richest 
id  leave  a 
ich  other, 
iry  means 
ve  to  the 
ince  Com- 
Dcrated  as 
:s  and  the 
ains  were 
iccrs,  and 
irest  tree, 
disjointed 
a  man  to 
I  few  mo- 
upou  his 
IS  quickly 

},  robbers, 
to  breathe 


more  freely,  and  acquired  a  sense  of  security  wliilc  en- 
gaged in  tlicir  ordinary  pursuits.  The  iiKiterid  for 
crime  still  existed,  and  is  yet  present  in  CaHfornia  to  an 
ahirming  extent ;  but  order  may  be  considered  as  con- 
iirmed  in  the  supremacy,  though  inevitaljly  many  social 
evils  still  exist,  which  time  alone  will  remedy. 

In  the  month  of  April,  I84i),  the  steamship  Cali- 
fornia touched  at  Monterey,  she  being  the  first  steam- 
vessel  that  had  visited  there  from  the  States.  1,  with 
a  party  of  fifteen  others,  stepped  on  board,  and  pro- 
ceeded as  far  as  Stockton,  where  we  separated  into  va- 
rious parties.  I  left  with  one  man  to  go  to  Bonora, 
where  we  erected  the  first  tent,  and  connnenced  a  bus- 
iness in  partnership.  I  had  carried  a  small  lot  of  cloth- 
ing along  with  me,  which  I  disposed  of  to  the  miners 
at  what  now  seems  to  me  fabulous  prices.  Finding 
the  business  thus  profitable,  I  sent  my  partner  back  to 
Stockton  for  a  farther  supplv,  and  he  brought  several 
mules  laden  witli  goods.  This  lot  was  disposed  of  as 
readily  as  the  first,  and  at  prices  equally  remunerative. 
This  induced  us  to  continue  the  business,  he  perform- 
ing the  journeys  backward  and  forward,  and  I  remain- 
ing behind  to  dispose  of  the  goods  and  attend  to  oth- 
er affairs.  Sonora  was  rapidly  growing  into  a  large 
village,  and  our  tent  was  replaced  with  a  roomy  house. 
I  had  a  corps  of  Indians  in  my  employ  to  take  charge 
of  the  horses  left  in  my  care  by  miners  and  other 
persons,  sometimes  to  the  number  of  two  hundred  at 
once.  I  also  employed  Indians  to  work  in  the  mines, 
I  furnishing  them  with  board  and  implements  to  work 
with,  and  they  paying  me  with  one  half  of  their  earn- 
ings. Their  general  yield  was  from  five  to  six  ounces 
a  day  each  man,  a  moiety  of  which  they  faithfully  ren- 
dered to  me.     Among  my  earliest  visitors  was  a  party 


oos 


ALT0B10(JKA1'11Y    OF 


of  eighteen  United  States  dragoons,  who  eamc  to  me 
to  be  fitted  out  with  citizen's  clothing,  as  they  had 
brought  to  a  sudden  period  their  service  to  then-  coun- 
try. It  was  an  impossible  thing  at  that  time  to  re- 
tain troops  in  California,  for  the  produce  of  the  mines 
Iield  out  a  temptation  to  desert  that  none  seemed  able 
to  resist,  as  more  gold  could  be  dug  sometimes  in  one 
day  than  would  pay  a  private  for  a  year's  service  in 
the  army;  even  officers  of  consilerable  rank  not  un- 
frequently  threw  aside  epaulette  and  sash,  and  sh  »ul- 
dcred  the  pick  to  repair  to  the  diggings. 

While  at  Sonora  I  learned  tliat  Colonel  Fremont 
was  at  ]\Iariposa,  and  I  made  a  journey  over  there  for 
the  purpose  of  seeing  him.  I  was  disappointed  in  my 
expectation,* and  started  to  return  home  again.  While 
proceeding  quietly  along,  havmg  left  the  main  road 
and  taken  up  a  hollow,  I  perceived  two  men  ap- 
proaching me  from  the  opposite  direction,  running  at 
tlie  top  of  their  speed,  and  a  crowd  of  Indians  after 
them  in  pursuit.  When  they  came  up,  they  shouted 
to  me  to  turn  and  fly  for  my  life,  or  the  Indians 
would  certainly  massacre  me.  I  bade  them  stop,  and 
quiet  their  fears.  Seeing  my  self-possession,  notwith- 
standing the  near  approach  of  the  Indifis,  they  at 
length  halted,  and  ajiproached  close  to  me  for  pro- 
tection against  their  pursuers.  I  then  commanded  the 
Indians  to  stand,  telling  them  that  they  were  my  men. 
They  said  they  were  not  aware  of  that,  or  they  should 
not  have  chased  them.  The  Indians  I  was  acquaint- 
ed with  ;  they  had  been  frequently  to  my  house  to  in- 
vite me  to  their  village.  They  wished  to  purchase 
goods  of  me,  and  had  promised  me  a  mule-load  of  gold 
dust  if  I  would  only  supply  them  with  what  they  were 
in  need  of.     I  accompanied  them  to  their  village,  but 


JAMKS    v.    liKCKW(JlHTH. 


OUJ^) 


ic  to  me 
hey  had 
cu*  coun- 
le  to  re- 
ic  mines 
Tied  able 
js  in  one 
ervicc  in 
:  not  un- 
id  sli  )ul- 

Fremont 
there  for 
ed  in  my 
.  While 
lain  road 
men  ap- 
mning  at 
ans  after 
r  shouted 
;  Indians 
stop,  and 

notwith- 
,  they  at 
J  for  pro- 
anded  the 

my  men. 
ey  should 
acquaint- 
use  to  in- 

purchase 
ad  of  gold 
they  were 
Uage,  but 


my  two  rescued  companions  were  not  admitted  into 
their  lodges.  They  then  renewed  their  promise  of 
the  mule-load  of  gold  dust  if  I  would  bring  out  the 
goods  they  wanted.  I  never  went  to  them,  although 
it  was  remiss  in  me,  for  they  had  a  great  quantity  of 
gold  dust.  I  left  after  a  brief  visit,  and  rejoined  the 
two  men.  They  could  not  sufficiently  express  their 
gratitude  to  me  for  their  deliverance,  as  they  consider- 
ed my  opportune  appearance  p.lonc  saved  their  lives. 

Becoming  tired  of  my  business  in  Sonora,  for  inac- 
tivity fatigued  me  to  death,  I  disposed  of  my  interest 
in  it  for  six  thousand  dollars,  and  went  on  to  Sacra- 
mento City  with  the  money  in  my  pocket.  From  this 
place  I  traveled  on  to  Murderer's  Bar,  which  lies  on 
the  middle  fork  of  the  American  River ;  here  I  found 
my  old  friend  Chapineau  house-keeping,  and  staid  with 
him  until  the  rainy  season  set  in.  Tlience  I  proceed- 
ed to  Greenwood  Valley  to  establish  my  winter  quar- 
ters, but  I  was  seized  with  an  attack  of  inflammatory 
rlieumatism,  and  I  had  a  nice  time  of  it  that  winter. 
Before  I  was  able  to  get  about,  I  was  called  on  by  the 
inhabitants  to  go  several  miles  to  shoot  a  grizzly  bear, 
and  as  I  was  unable  to  walk  the  distance,  several  of 
them  volunteered  to  carry  me.  The  bear  was  in  the 
habit  of  walking  past  a  row  of  cabins  every  moniing 
on  his  return  to  his  den,  he  having  issued  forth  the 
preceding  night  to  procure  his  evening  meal.  They 
had  fired  several  shots  at  Bruin  as  he  passed,  but  he 
had  never  deigned  to  pay  any  attention  to  the  molesta- 
tion. I  mounted  a  horse,  and  rode  some  distance  along 
his  customary  path,  until  I  came  to  a  tree  which  offer- 
ed a  fair  shelter  to  await  his  approach.  I  placed  my 
back  against  it  as  a  support  wliile  I  awaited  liis  com- 
ing, the  neighbors  drawing  off  to  a  safe  distance  to 


""*■■•««•■ 


lajAwumi 


(RMH 


510 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


witness  the  sport.  By~and-by  Grizzly  came  in  sight, 
walking  along  as  independently  as  an  alderman  elect. 
I  allowed  him  to  approach  till  he  was  within  twenty 
paces,  when  I  called  out  to  him ;  he  stopped  sudden- 
ly, and  looked  around  to  ascertain  whence  the  sound 
proceeded.  As  he  arrested  himself,  I  fired,  and  the 
ball  entered  his  heart.  He  advanced  ten  or  fifteen 
paces  before  he  fell;  the  observers  shouted  to  me 
to  run,  they  forgetting  in  their  excitement  that  I  had 
not  strength  to  move.  The  bear  never  stirred  from 
where  he  fell,  and  he  ex2)ired  without  a  groan.  When 
dressed,  he  weighed  over  fourteen  hundred  pounds. 

The  grizzly  bear  is  a  formidable  animal,  and  has 
acted  a  prominent  part  among  the  settlers  of  Califor- 
nia. They  are  seldom  known  to  attack  a  man  unless 
wounded  ;  in  that  case,  if  a  tree  is  by,  the  hunter  had 
better  commence  climbing.  They  are  very  plenty 
from  the  Sierra  Nevada  to  the  coast  range  of  mount- 
ains. I  liave,  in  the  course  of  my  sojourn  in  the 
country,  killed  a  great  many  of  them,  and  met  witli 
some  singular  adventures. 

On  one  occasion,  while  I  was  with  the  Crow  Indians, 
there  was  a  man  of  the  name  of  Coe  who  was  trapping 
in  one  of  the  neighboring  streams,  and  I  became  alarm- 
ed for  his  safety,  as  Black  Foot  parties  were  skulking 
about  in  all  directions,  and  were  sure  to  kill  him  if 
they  should  find  his  camp.  I  found  Coe,  and  told  him 
my  fears.  He  instantly  gathered  up  his  traps,  and, 
mounting  his  horse,  started  toward  me.  When  with- 
in fair  gun-shot,  an  old  bear  sprang  from  a  thicket, 
and  landed  upon  the  flanks  of  his  horse,  applying  his 
teeth  to  the  roots  of  the  poor  animal's  tail,  and  hold- 
ing him  as  if  in  a  vice.  Coe  leaned  over  his  horse's 
neck,  and  cried  out, 


sight, 
I  elect, 
twenty 
udden- 

sound 
nd  the 

fifteen 

to  me 
t  I  had 
3d  from 

When 
mds. 
md  has 
Califor- 
1  unless 
nter  had 
plenty 

mount- 
in  the 
let  witli 

Indians, 
;rapping 
3  alarm- 
kulking 
him  if 
old  him 
s,  and, 
n  with- 
thicket, 
ing  his 
lid  hold- 
horse's 


H 

> 

n 
o 


a 


lil 


mm4M^' 


I'iTi'''  !' 


S,;!j;!''^'i';l:fi!l:i|'i, 


*i4iilti(i|' 

,,,, .,,iii,|j|' 

^:V-bff!il!l|lf 


"l!lg''-Nll 


mm 

,   .iji| 


I  '■ 


JAMES   P.  BECKWOURTH. 


51;^ 


"  Shoot,  Jim !   shoot  quick !" 

I  could  not  help  laughing  to  have  saved  my  life,  as 
he  turned  from  side  to  'side,  though  his  situation  was 
a  critical  one.  I  soon  got  in  a  favorable  position,  and 
put  a  ball  in  the  animal's  head,  just  behind  the  ear, 
when  he  liberated  the  horse  and  his  rider,  falling  on 
his  back  apparently  stone  dead. 

There  is  a  story,  remembered  by  the  mountaineers, 
of  a  person  named  Keyere.  He  was  a  man  who  never 
exceeded  one  hundred  pounds  in  weight,  but  was  clear 
grit,  what  little  there  was  of  him.  He  went  out  one 
day  alone,  and  his  horse  came  back  in  the  evening 
without  his  rider,  and  we  thought  that  the  Indians 
had  made  sure  of  poor  Keyere's  scalp.  The  next 
morning  a  small  party  of  us  started  on  tlie  horse's  trail, 
and  found  Keyere  lying  beside  a  large  dead  grizzly 
bear.  Keyere  was  horribly  mutilated  and  insensible, 
but  still  alive,  and  must  have  soon  died  if  no  one  had 
come  to  his  rescue. 

We  took  him  to  camp,  and  nursed  him  with  all  pos- 
sible care.  When  he  recovered  sufficiently  to  tell  his 
tale,  his  story  was  received  with  shouts  of  laughter, 
and  was  rehearsed  as  a  wonderful  joke  from  camp  to 
camp.  Keyere  stated  that,  when  he  saw  the  grizzly, 
he  got  from  his  horse  to  shoot  him,  but  unfortunately 
only  wounded  the  animal.  The  bear  (so  Keyere  says) 
caught  hold  of  him,  and  commenced  a  regular  rough- 
and-tumble  fight ;  finally  Keyere  got  a  good  lick  at  the 
bear's  head,  knocked  him  down  with  his  fist,  and  then 
attempted  to  run  away.  The  bear,  however,  was  too 
quick,  when  Keyere,  becoming  desperate,  seized  the 
beast  by  the  tongue,  drew  his  knife,  and  stabbed  the 
creature  to  the  heart ! 

Improbable  as  is  the  tale,  it  was  a  singular  fact, 

Y2 


I     — X 


wm 


514 


AUTOBIOGKAPHY    OF 


that,  when  Kcycre  was  found,  his  knife  was  up  to  the 
maker's  name  in  the  bear's  side,  and  tlie  body  showed 
tlie  effects  of  other  severe  stabs ;  but  whether  a  man 
weigliing  ninety  pounds  could  knock  down  the  best  of 
boxers,  weighing  twelve  hundred,  the  reader  can  de- 
cide ;  but  Keyerc  ever  told  the  same  talc,  and  became 
known  far  and  near  as  the  man  that  whipped  the  grizzly 
in  a  stand-up  light.  Probably  no  man  ever  recover- 
ed who  received  so  many  wounds  as  did  Keyere  in 
this  unequal  combat. 


CTIArTER  XXXVI. 

Discovery  of  Bcckwourth's  Pass. — No  pecuniary  Reward  for  public 
Services. — Transformation.  —  A  new  Character.  —  Emigrants  at 
Home  and  at  their  Journey's  End. — Description  of  the  Happy  Val- 
lej'. — Interesting  Reminiscence. 

The  next  spring  I  engaged  in  mining  and  prospect- 
ing in  various  parts  of  the  gold  region.  I  advanced  as 
far  as  the  American  Valley,  having  one  man  in  my 
company,  and  proceeded  north  into  the  Pitt  River  coun- 
try, where  we  had  a  slight  difficulty  with  the  Indians. 
We  had  come  ii})on  a  party  who  manifested  the  utmost 
friendship  toward  us  ;  but  I,  knowing  how  far  friendly 
appearances  could  be  trusted  to,  cautioned  my  partner 
on  no  account  to  relinquish  his  gun,  if  the  Indiuns 
should  attempt  to  take  it.  They  crowded  round  us, 
pretending  to  have  the  greatest  interest  in  the  pack  that 
we  carried,  until  thty  made  a  sudden  spring,  and  seized 
our  guns,  and  attempted  to  wrest  them  from  our  grasp. 
I  jerked  from  them,  and  retreated  a  few  steps ;  then, 
cocking  my  gun,  I  bade  them,  if  they  wished  to  fight, 
to  come  on.      This  produced  a  change  in  their  feelings. 


JAMES    P.  BECKWOURTH. 


515 


ip  to  the 
^  showed 
IV  a  man 
3  best  of 

can  de- 
l  became 
le  grizzly 

recover- 
[!eyere  in 


1  for  public 
nigrants  at 
Happy  Val- 


prospect- 
'anced  as 
n  in  my 
ver  coun- 
Indians. 
le  utmost 
L*  friendly 
y  partner 
s  Indiuns 
ound  us, 
pack  that 
nd  seized 
ur  grasp. 
)s ;  then, 
to  fight, 
feelings. 


and  they  were  very  friendly  again,  begging  caps  and 
ammunition  of  us,  wliicli,  of  course,  we  refused.  We 
then  Avalkcd  backward  for  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
yards,  still  keeping  our  pieces  ready  should  they  at- 
tempt further  hostilities ;  but  they  did  not  deem  it 
pnident  to  molest  us  again. 

While  on  this  excursion  I  discovered  what  is  now 
known  as  "  Beckwourth's  Pass"  in  the  Sierra  Nevada. 
B^'rom  some  of  the  elevations  over  which  we  passed  I 
remarked  a  place  far  away  to  the  southward  that  seem- 
ed lower  than  any  other.  I  made  no  mention  of  it  to 
my  companion,  but  thought  that  at  some  future  time  I 
would  examine  into  it  farther.  I  continued  on  to  Shas- 
ta with  my  fellow-traveler,  and  returned  after  a  fruit- 
less journey  of  eighteen  days. 

After  a  short  stay  in  the  American  Valley,  I  again 
started  out  with  a  prospecting  party  of  twelve  men. 
We  killed  a  bullock  before  starting  and  dried  the  meat, 
in  order  to  have  provisions  to  last  us  during  the  trip. 
We  proceeded  in  an  easterly  direction,  and  all  busied 
themselves  in  searching  for  gold ;  but  my  errand  was 
of  a  different  character :  I  had  come  to  discover  what 
I  suspected  to  be  a  pass. 

It  was  the  latter  end  of  April  when  we  entered  upon 
an  extensive  valley  at  the  northwest  extremity  of  the 
Sierra  range.  The  valley  was  ali-eady  robed  in  fresh- 
est veidure,  contrasting  most  delightfully  with  the  huge 
snow-clad  masses  of  rock  we  had  just  left.  Flowers 
of  every  variety  and  hue  spread  their  variegated  charms 
before  us ;  magpies  were  chattering,  and  gorgeously- 
plumaged  birds  were  caroling  in  the  delights  of  unmo- 
lested solitude.  Swarms  of  wild  geese  and  ducks  were 
swimming  on  the  surface  of  the  cool  crystal  stream, 
which  was  the  central  fork  of  the  Kio  de  las  Plumas, 


516 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


or  sailed  tlie  air  in  clouds  over  our  heads.  Deer  and 
antelope  filled  the  plains,  and  their  boldness  was  con- 
clusive that  the  hunter's  rifle  was  to  them  unknown. 
Nowhere  visible  were  any  traces  of  the  white  man's  ap- 
proach, and  it  is  probable  that  our  steps  were  the  first 
that  ever  marked  the  spot.  We  struck  across  this 
beautiful  valley  to  the  waters  of  the  Yuba,  from  thence 
to  the  waters  of  the  Trucliy,  which  latter  flowed  in  an 
easterly  direction,  telling  us  we  were  on  the  eastern 
slope  of  the  mountain  range.  This,  I  at  once  saw, 
would  afford  the  best  wagon-road  into  the  American 
Valley  approaching  from  the  eastward,  and  I  imparted 
my  views  to  three  of  my  companions  in  whose  judg- 
ment I  placed  the  most  confidence.  They  thougi  i 
highly  of  the  discovery,  and  even  proposed  to  associate 
with  me  in  opening  the  road.  We  also  found  gold,  but 
not  in  sufficient  quantity  to  warrant  our  working  it ; 
and,  furthermore,  the  ground  was  too  wet  to  admit  of 
our  prospecting  to  any  advantage. 

On  my  return  to  the  American  Valley,  I  made  known 
my  discovery  to  a  Mr.  Turner,  proprietor  of  the  Amer- 
ican Ranch,  who  entered  enthusiastically  into  my 
views  ;  it  w^as  a  thing,  he  said,  he  had  never  dreamed 
of  before.  If  I  could  but  carry  oit  my  plan,  and  di- 
vert travel  into  that  road,  he  thought  I  should  be  a 
made  man  for  life.  Thereupon  he  drew  up  a  subscrip- 
tion-list, setting  forth  the  merits  of  the  project,  and 
showing  how  the  road  could  be  made  practicable  to 
Bidwell's  Bar,  and  thence  to  Marysville,  which  latter 
place  would  derive  peculiar  advantages  from  the  dis- 
covery. He  headed  the  subscription  with  two  hund- 
red dollars. 

When  I  reached  Bidwell's  Bar  and  unfolded  my  proj- 
ect, the  town  was  seized  with  a  perfect  mania  for  the 


JAMES   r.  BECKWOUIITII. 


517 


;er  and 
as  con- 
known, 
m's  ap- 
hc  first 
•ss  this 
thence 
id  in  an 
eastern 
20  saw, 
mcrican 
nparted 
56  judg- 
thougi  i 
ssociate 
old,  but 
cing  it ; 
idmit  of 

i  known 
e  Amer- 
nto  my 
ireamed 
and  di- 
dd  be  a 
ubscrip- 
ect,  and 
cable  to 
sh  latter 
the  dis- 
To  hund- 


myproj- 
1  for  the 


opening  of  the  route.  Tlie  subscriptions  toward  the 
fund  required  for  its  accomplishment  amounted  to  five 
hundred  dollars.  1  then  proceeded  to  j\Iarysville,  a 
place  which  would  unquestionably  derive  greater  ben- 
efit from  the  newly-discovered  route  than  any  other 
place  on  the  way,  since  this  must  be  the  entrepot  or 
principal  starting-place  for  emigrants.  I  communicated 
with  several  of  the  most  influential  residents  on  the 
subject  in  hand.  They  also  spoke  very  encouragingly 
of  my  undertaking,  and  referred  me,  before  all  others, 
to  the  mayor  of  the  city.  Accordingly,  I  waited  upon 
that  gentleman  (a  Mr.  Miles),  and  brought  the  matter 
under  his  notice,  representing  it  as  being  a  legitimate 
matter  for  his  interference,  and  offering  substantial  ad- 
vantages to  the  commercial  prosperity  of  the  city.  The 
mayor  entered  warmly  into  my  views,  and  pronounced 
it  as  his  opinion  that  the  profits  resulting  from  the 
speculation  could  not  be  less  than  from  six  to  ten  thou- 
sand dollars ;  and  as  the  benefits  accruing  to  the  city 
would  be  incalculable,  he  would  insure  my  expenses 
while  engaged  upon  it. 

I  mentioned  that  I  should  prefer  some  gur.rantee  be- 
fore entering  upon  my  labors,  to  secure  me  against  loss 
of  what  money  I  might  lay  out. 

"Leave  that  to  me,"  said  the  mayor;  "I  will  attend 
to  the  whole  afiair„  I  feel  confident  that  a  subject 
of  so  great  importance  to  our  interests  will  engage  the 
earliest  attention." 

I  thereupon  left  the  whole  proceeding  in  his  hands, 
and,  immediately  setting  men  to  work  upon  the  road, 
went  out  to  the  Truchy  to  turn  emigration  into  my 
newly-discovered  route.  While  thus  busily  engaged 
I  was  seized  with  erysipelas,  and  abandoned  all  hopes 
of  recovery ;  I  was  over  one  hundred  miles  away  from 


518 


AUTOBIOGRAPHY   OF 


medical  assistance,  and  my  only  shelter  was  a  brush 
tent.  I  made  my  will,  and  resigned  myself  to  death. 
Lite  still  lingered  in  me,  however,  and  a  train  of  wag- 
ons came  up,  and  encamped  near  to  where  I  lay.  I 
was  reduced  to  a  very  low  condition,  but  I  saw  the 
drivers,  and  acquainted  them  with  the  object  which 
had  brought  me  out  there.  7'bey  oflcred  to  attempt 
tliQ  new  road  if  I  thought  myself  sufficiently  strong  to 
guide  them  through  it.  The  women,  God  bless  them ! 
came  to  my  assistance,  and  through  their  kind  atten- 
tions and  excellent  nursing  I  rapidly  recovered  from 
my  lingering  sickness,  until  I  was  soon  able  to  mount 
my  horse,  and  lead  the  first  train,  consisting  of  sev- 
enteen wagons,  through  "Beckwourth's  Pass."  We 
reached  the  American  Valley  without  the  least  acci- 
dent, and  the  emigrants  expressed  entire  satisfaction 
with  the  r  lute.  I  returned  with  the  train  through  to 
Marysville,  and  on  the  intelligence  being  communi- 
cated of  the  practicability  of  my  road,  there  was  quite 
a  public  rejoicing.  A  northern  route  had  been  dis- 
covered, and  the  city  had  received  an  impetus  that 
would  advance  her  beyond  all  her  sisters  on  the  Pacif- 
ic shore.  I  felt  proud  of  my  achievement,  and  was 
foolish  enough  to  promise  myself  a  substantial  recog- 
nition of  my  labors. 

I  was  destined  to  disappointment,  for  that  same 
night  Marysville  was  laid  in  ashes.  The  mayor  of  the 
ruined  town  congratulated  me  upon  bringing  a  train 
through.  He  expressed  great  delight  at  my  good  for- 
tune, but  regretted  that  their  recent  calamity  had 
placed  it  entirely  bej'-ond  his  power  to  obtain  for  me 
any  substantial  reward.  With  the  exception  of  some 
two  hundred  dollars  subscribed  by  some  liberal-mind- 
ed citizens  of  Marysville,  I  have  received  no  indemni- 


JAMES    P.  mX'KWOL'IlTII. 


519 


a  brush 
o  death. 
,  of  Avag- 

lay.     I 

saw  the 
ct  which 

attempt 
strong  to 
ss  them! 
nd  attcn- 
jred  from 
to  mount 
g  of  sev- 
is."     We 
east  acci- 
itisfaction 
hrough  to 
3ommuni- 
was  quite 
been  dis- 
)etus  that 
the  Pacif- 
,  and  was 
tial  recog- 

;hat  same 
,yor  of  the 
:ig  a  train 

good  for- 
imity  had 
lin  for  me 
►n  of  some 
eral-mind- 

indemni- 


fication  for  tlie  money  and  hibor  I  have  expended  upon 
my  discovery.  The  city  liad  been  greatly  benefited  by 
it,  as  all  mi! at  acknowlcilge,  for  the  omigrants  that 
now  flock  to  ^larysvillc  would  otherwise  have  gone  to 
Sacramento.  Sixteen  hundred  dollars  I  expended 
upon  the  road  is  forever  gone,  but  those  who  derive 
advantage  from  this  outlay  and  loss  of  time  devote  no 
thought  to  the  discoverer ;  nor  do  I  sec  clearly  liow 
I  am  to  help  myself,  for  every  one  knows  I  can  not 
roll  a  mountain  into  the  pass  and  shut  it  up.  I5ut  there 
is  one  thing  certain :  although  I  recognize  no  superior 
in  love  of  country,  and  feel  in  all  its  force  the  obliga- 
tion imposed  upon  me  to  advance  her  interests,  still, 
when  I  go  out  hunting  in  the  mountains  a  road  for 
every  body  to  pass  through,  and  expending  my  time 
and  capital  upon  an  object  from  which  I  shall  derive 
no  benefit,  it  will  be  because  I  have  nothing  better 
to  do. 

In  the  spring  of  1852  I  established  myself  in  Beck- 
wourth  Valley,  and  finally  found  m^^self  transformed 
into  a  hotel-keeper  and  chief  of  a  trading-post.  ]\Iy 
house  is  considered  the  emigrant's  landing-place,  as  it 
is  ''  he  first  ranch  he  arrives  at  in  the  golden  state,  and 
is  the  only  house  between  this  point  and  Salt  Lake. 
Here  is  a  valley  two  hundred  and  forty  miles  in  cir- 
cumference, containing  some  of  the  choicest  land  in  the 
world.  Its  yield  of  hay  is  incalculable ;  the  red  and 
white  clovers  spring  up  spontaneously,  and  the  grass 
that  covers  its  smooth  surface  is  of  the  most  nutritious 
nature.  When  the  weary,  toil-worn  emigrant  reaches 
this  valley,  he  feels  himself  secure ;  he  can  lay  him- 
self down  and  taste  refreshing  repose,  undisturbed  by 
the  fear  of  Indians.  His  cattle  can  graze  around  him 
in  pasture  up  to  their  eyes,  without  running  any  dan- 


520 


AL'TOUIUGitAl'IIY    UK 


gor  of  being  driven  oft*  by  the  Arabs  of  the  forest,  and 
f^priiigH  riow  iM'turo  tlicni  as  j)iirc  as  any  that  refreshes 
thia"  verdant  earth. 

AVhen  1  stand  at  my  door,  and  watch  tlie  weary, 
way-worn  travelers  approach,  their  wagons  liolding  to- 
gether by  a  miracle,  their  stock  in  the  last  stage  of 
enuiciation,  and  themselves  a  perfect  exaggeration  of 
caricature,  I  frequently  anmse  myself  with  imagin- 
ing the  contrast  they  must  otter  to  the  tout  enmiiible 
and  general  appearance  they  presented  to  their  admir- 
ing friends  when  they  first  set  out  upon  their  jour- 
ney. 

We  will  take  a  fancy  sketch  of  tliem  as  they  start 
from  their  homes.  AVe  will  fancy  their  strong  and 
well-stored  wagon,  bran-new  for  the  occasion,  and  so 
firmly  put  together  that,  to  look  at  it,  one  would,  sup- 
pose it  fit  to  eircunirotate  the  globe  as  many  times  as 
there  are  spokes  in  the  wheels ;  then  their  tat  and 
frightened  steers,  so  high-spirited  and  fractious  that  i*^ 
takes  the  father  and  his  two  or  three  sons  to  get  eat 
under  the  yoke;  next,  the  ambitious  emigrant  and  his 
proud  family,  with  their  highly-raised  expectations  of 
the  future  that  is  before  them :  the  father,  so  confi- 
dent and  important,  who  deems  the  Eastern  States  un- 
worthy of  his  abilities,  and  can  alone  find  a  sufficiently 
ample  field  in  the  growing  republic  on  the  Pr.cific  side; 
the  mother,  who  is  unwilling  to  leave  her  pleasant 
gossiping  friends  and  early  associations,  is  still  half 
tempted  to  believe  that  the  crop  of  gold  that  waits  their 
gathering  may  indemnify  her  for  lier  labors ;  so  they 
pull  up  stakes,  and  leave  town  in  good  style,  expect- 
ing to  return  with  whole  cart-loads  of  gold  dust,  and 
dazzle  their  neighbors'  eyes  with  their  excellent  good 
fortune. 


1  forest,  and 
at  rctVcHhcs 


the  weary, 
liolding  to- 
st stage  of 
[^cration  of 
itli  irnagin- 
it  ensemble 
heir  adrnir- 
tlieir  jour- 

I  they  start 
strong  and 
on,  and  so 
would  sup- 
ly  times  as 
eir  fat  and 
ious  that  i"^ 
to  get  eat 
ant  and  his 
ctations  of 
r,  so  conti- 
States  un- 
sufficiently 
ncific  side; 
3r  pleasant 
3  still  half 
waits  their 
s ;  so  they 
de,  expect- 
[  dust,  and 
silent  good 


JAMES  ,..  i.Errcwoi  iMii  IN  rrrizKN's  i.uksm, 


JAMES    P.    BECKWOURTH. 


52;i 


The  girls,  dear  creatures !  put  on  their  very  best,  as 
all  their  admiring  beaux  assemble  to  see  them  start, 
and  to  give  them  the  last  kiss  they  will  receive  east  of 
the  Nevada  Mountains  ;  for  their  idea  is  that  they  will 
be  snatched  up  and  married  the  moment  they  step  over 
the  threshold  into  California  by  some  fine  young  gen- 
tleman who  is  a  solid  pile  of  gold,  and  they  joyously 
start  away,  in  anticipation  of  the  event,  their  lials 
decked  with  ribbons,  their  persons  in  long-flowing  rid- 
mg-dresses,  their  delicate  fingers  glittering  with  rings, 
and  their  charming  little  ankles  incased  in  their  fash- 
ionable and  neatly-laced  gaiters. 

At  the  close  of  day,  perhaps  amid  a  pelting  rain, 
these   same  parties  lieave  wearily  into   sight:    they 
have  achieved  the  passage  of  the  Plains,  and  their 
pleasant  Eastern  homes,  with  their  agi-eeable,  sociable 
neighbors,  are  now  at  a  distance  it  is  painful  to  con- 
template.    The  brave  show  they  made  at  starting,  as 
the  whole  town  hui-raed  them  off,  is  sadly  faded  away. 
Their  wagon  appears  like  a  relic  of  the  Revolution  aft- 
er doing  hard  service  for  the  commissariat :  its  cover 
burned  into  holes,  and  torn  to  tatters ;  its  strong  axles 
replaced  with  rough  pieces  of  trees  hewn  by  the  way- 
side ;  the  tires  bound  on  with  ropes ;  the  iron  linch- 
pins gone,  and  chips  of  hickory  substituted,  and  rags 
wound  round  the  hubs  to  hold  them  together,  which 
they  keep  continually  wetted  to  prevent  falling  to 
pieces.    The  oxen  are  held  up  by  the  tail  to  keep  them 
upon  their  legs,  and  the  ravens  and  magpies  evidently 
feel  themselves  ill  treated  in  being  driven  off  from  what 
they  deem  their  lawful  rights. 

The  old  folks  are  peevish  and  quarrelsome;  the 
young  men  are  so  headstrong,  and  the  small  children 
so  full  of  wants,  and  precisely  at  a  time  when  every 


h2\ 


AlITOnKKJUAIMrV    (IK 


thinji;  Ims  given  out,  and  tlicy  luivo  notlilnp^  to  pacify 
tlicni  with,  lint  iho  ])oor  girls  liav('  sufrcred  the  most. 
'Ph<'ir  glossy,  luxnriant  liMiks,  that  won  so  much  ad- 
miration, arc  now  tri/./lcd  and  discolored  l)y  the  sun; 
their  elegant  riding-habit  is  replaced  with  an  improvised 
lUooiner,  and  their  neat  little  feet  are  ex])osed  in  sad 
disarray ;  their  lingers  are  white  no  longer,  and  in 
place  ot*  rings  wc  see  sundry  hits  of  rag  wound  round,  to 
keep  the  dirt  from  entering  their  sore  cuts.  The  young 
men  of  gohl,  wiio  looked  so  attractive  in  the  distance, 
arc  now  too  <»ften  found  to  be  worthless  and  of  no  in- 
trinsic value;  their  time  emj)loyed  in  iiaunting  gam- 
ing-tables or  dram-shops,  and  their  habits  corru'pted 
by  unthrift  and  dissi])ation. 

1  do  not  wi-^h  to  sp(\*dv  dis])r.ragingly  of  my  ado])tcd 
state,  and  by  no  means  to  intimate  the  slightest  disre- 
spect to  the  many  worthy  citizens  who  have  crossed 
the  l*hiins.  1  apjieal  to  the  many  who  have  Vt'itness- 
ed  the  ])icture  for  the  accuracy  of  my  j)ortraiturc.  So 
nuich  good  material  constantly  inlused  into  society 
ought  to  improve  the  character  of  the  compound,  but 
the  demoralizing  ctt'eets  of  transplantation  greatly  neu- 
tralize the  benetlts. 

Take  a  family  from  their  ])caceful  and  happy  homes 
in  a  comnumity  where  good  morals  arc  observed,  and 
the  tone  of  society  exercises  a  salutary  influence  over 
the  thoughts  of  both  old  and  young,  and  put  them  in 
such  a  place  as  this,  where  all  is  chaotic,  and  the  princi- 
ples that  regulate  the  social  intercourse  of  men  are  not 
yet  recognized  as  law,  and  their  dignity  of  thought  and 
j)rcst}(jc  of  ])osition  is  bereft  from  them.  They  have 
to  struggle  among  a  greedy,  unscrupulous  populace  for 
the  means  of  living ;  their  homes  have  yet  accjuircd  no 
comfort,  and  they  feel  isolated  and  abandoned ;  and  it 


JAMKS    P.    IJEf'KWOlIUTir. 


;>2;> 


to  pacify 

'he  ITlOSt. 

iiucli  ad- 

t  lu'  sun ; 

ripro  vised 

ed  in  sad 

r,  and  in 

I  round,  to 

'lie  young 

distance, 

I  of  no  in- 

ting  gam- 

corru}>tcd 

ly  adopted 
itest  disre- 
fG  crossed 
e  witness- 
iturc.  So 
to  society 
)ound,  but 
I'catly  neu- 

ppy  homes 
?erved,  and 
ucncc  over 
ut  them  in 
the  princi- 
icn  are  not 
[lought  and 
They  have 
opulacc  for 
ic(iuired  no 
icd ;  and  it 


is  even  worse  upon  the  cliiUh'en  ;  all  corrective  influ- 
ence is  removed  from  them,  and  the  examples  that  sur- 
round them  are  often  of  the  mosi  vicious  and  worst  pos- 
sible description.  All  wholesome  objects  of  ambition 
being  removed,  and  money  alone  substituted  as  the  re- 
ward of  their  greed,  they  grow  up  unlike  their  fathers  ; 
and  it  is  only  those  in  whom  there  is  a  solid  substratum 
of  correct  feeling  that  mature  into  good  citizens  and 
proper  men. 

The  girls,  too,  little  darlings,  suffer  severely.  They 
have  left  tlunr  wortliy  sweethearts  bc^liiiul,  and  can 
not  get  back  to  them ;  and  tliose  who  now  offer  them- 
selves here  are  not  fit  to  l)estow  a  thought  upon.  \'W- 
cry  tiling  is  strange  to  them.  'J'hey  miss  their  little 
social  reunions,  their  quilting-partics,  their  winter  cpia- 
drilles,  the  gossip  of  the  village,  their  delightful  sum- 
mer haunts,  and  tiieir  dear  ])aternal  fireside.  They  have 
no  })ursuits  except  of  the  grosser  kinds,  and  all  their 
refinements  arc  roughed  over  by  the  prevailing  struggle 
after  gold. 

Much  stock  is  lost  in  crossing  the  JUains,  through 
their  drinking  the  alkali  water  which  flows  from  the 
Sierra  Nevada,  becoming  impregnated  with  the  poison- 
ous mineral  either  in  its  source  or  in  its  passage  among 
the  rocks.  There  are  also  poisonous  herbs  springing 
up  in  the  region  of  the  mineral  water,  which  the  poor, 
famishing  animals  devour  without  stint.  Those  who 
survive  until  they  reach  the  Valley  are  generally  too 
far  gone  for  recovery,  and  die  while  resting  to  recruit 
their  strength.  Their  infected  flesh  furnishes  food  to 
thousands  of  wolves,  which  infest  this  place  in  the  win- 
ter, and  its  effect  upon  them  is  singular.  It  depilates 
their  warm  coats  of  fur,  and  renders  their  pelts  as  bare 
as  the  palm  of  a  man's  hand.     My  faithful  dogs  have 


52G 


AUTOBIOGKAPHY   uF 


killed  numbers  of  them  at  different  times,  divested  en- 
tirely  of  hair  except  on  the  extremity  of  the  nose,  ears, 
and  tail.  They  present  a  truly  comical  and  extraor- 
dinary appearance. 

This  general  loss  of  cattle  deprives  many  of  the  poor 
emigrants  of  the  means  of  hauling  their  lightened  wag- 
ons, which,  by  the  time  they  reach  my  ranch,  seldom 
contain  any  thing  more  than  their  family  clothing  and 
bedding.  Frequently  I  have  observed  wagons  pass  my 
house  with  one  starveling  yoke  of  cattle  to  drag  them, 
and  the  family  straggling  on  foot  behind.  Numbers 
have  put  up  at  my  ranch  without  a  morsel  of  food, 
and  without  a  dollar  in  the  world  to  procure  any.  They 
never  were  refused  what  they  asked  for  at  my  house ; 
and,  during  the  short  space  that  I  have  spent  in  the 
Valley,  I  have  furnished  provisions  and  other  neces- 
saries to  the  numerous  sufferers  who  have  applied  for 
them  to  a  very  serious  amount.  Some  have  since  paid 
me,  but  the  bills  of  many  remain  unsettled.  Still,  al- 
though a  prudent  business  man  would  condemn  the 
proceeding,  I  can  not  find  it  in  my  heart  to  refuse  re- 
lief to  such  necessities,  and,  if  my  pocket  suffers  a  lit- 
tle, I  have  my  recompense  in  a  feeling  of  internal  sat- 
isfaction. 

My  pleasant  valley  is  thirty-five  miles  at  its  great- 
est breadth.  It  is  irrigated  by  two  streams,  with  their 
various  small  tributaries.  These  form  a  junction  about 
ten  miles  from  my  house  up  the  valley,  which,  as  you 
remount  it,  becomes  the  central  fork  of  the  Feather 
River.  All  these  streams  abound  with  trout,  some  of 
them  weighing  seven  or  eight  pounds.  In  the  main 
one  there  are  also  plenty  of  otter.  Antelopes  and  deer 
are  to  be  found  the  entire  year,  unless  the  winter  is 
unusually  severe,  when  they  cross  the  mountains  to 


f 


estecl  eu- 
lose,  ears, 
L  extraor- 


f  the  poor 
jned  wag- 
li,  seldom 
thing  and 
s  pass  my 
rag  them, 
Numbers 
1  of  food, 
.y.  They 
ly  house ; 
ent  in  the 
ler  neces- 
ipplied  for 
since  paid 
Still,  al- 
dernn  the 
refuse  re- 
ffers  a  lit- 
emal  sat- 

its  great- 

with  their 

tion  about 

h,  as  you 

5  Feather 

,  some  of 

the  main 

and  deer 

winter  is 

intains  to 


JAMES    p.  BECKWOUKTH. 


527 


the  eastern  slope.  Grizzly  bears  come  and  disappeai- 
again,  without  asking  leave  of  any  man.  There  arc 
wolves  of  every  species,  together  with  foxes,  hares,  rab- 
bits, and  other  animals.  Of  the  feathered  tribe,  we 
have  wild  geese,  ducks,  sage-hens,  grouse,  and  a  large 
variety  of  smaller  birds.  Service-berries  and  cherries 
are  the  only  kinds  of  fruit  that  grow  from  nature's  cul- 
tivation. 

The  growth  of  timber  about  the  valley  is  principally 
pitch-pine,  although  there  is  a  considerable  intermix- 
ture of  cedar.  I  have  never  yet  sown  any  grain,  but  1 
have  cultivated  a  small  kitchen-garden,  and  raised  cab- 
bages, turnips,  and  radishes  of  great  size.  I  have  never 
known  the  snow  to  fall  to  a  greater  depth  than  three 
feet,  and  when  the  storms  are  over  it  dissolves  very 
rapidly,  notwithstanding  the  elevation  is  many  thou- 
sand feet  above  the  level  of  the  Pacific.  The  snow 
clings  to  the  mountain  peaks  that  overlook  the  valley 
to  the  eastward  the  year  round,  and  as  it  is  continually 
melting  and  feeding  the  streams,  it  keeps  the  water  icy 
cold  all  the  summer  through.  About  a  mile  and  a  half 
distant  from  my  house  there  is  a  large  sulphur  spring, 
and  on  the  eastern  slope,  in  the  desert,  there  are  copi- 
ous hot  springs,  supplying  the  traveler  with  boiling 
water  for  his  coffee  without  the  cost  of  fuel. 

The  Truchy  rises  on  the  summit  of  the  Sierra  Ne- 
vada, opposite  the  head-waters  of  the  Yuba,  and  runs 
in  an  easterly  direction  until  it  loses  itself  in  Pyramid 
Lake,  about  fifty  miles  east  of  this  valley.  This  lake 
is  a  great  natural  curiosity,  as  it  receives  not  alone  the 
waters  of  the  Truchy,  but  numerous  other  streams,  and 
has  no  visible  outlet ;  its  surcharge  of  water  probably 
filtering  into  the  earth,  like  St.  Mary's  River,  and  some 
others  I  have  met  with.     There  is  no  place  in  the 


528 


ALTUUIOUJUl'llV    OF 


whole  state  that  offers  so  many  attractions  for  a  few 
weeks'  or  months'  retirement ;  for  its  charms  of  scen- 
ery, with  sylvan  and  piscatorial  sports,  present  unu- 
sual attractions.  During  the  winter  season  my  near- 
est neighbors  are  sixteen  miles  away ;  in  the  summer 
they  are  within  four  miles  of  my  house,  so  that  social 
broils  do  not  nmch  disturb  me. 

There  is  a  pleasant  historical  incident  associated 
witli  8t.  Mary's  River,  which,  as  it  can  be  familiar  to 
but  few  of  my  readers,  I  will  relate  here.  The  St.  Ma- 
ry's liiver  is  known  to  most  persons  as  the  River  Hum- 
boldt, since  that  is  the  name  that  has  been  since  con- 
fened  upon  it,  in  honor  of  the  distinguished  European 
traveler.  I  prefer  the  former  name,  as  being  more  po- 
etical, though  less  assuming.  An  Indian  woman,  the 
wifo  of  a  Canadian  named  Chapineau,  who  acted  as  in- 
terpreter and  guide  to  Lewis  and  Clarke  during  their 
explorations  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  was  suddenly 
seized  with  the  pains  of  labor,  and  gave  birth  to  a  son 
on  the  banks  of  this  mysterious  river.  The  Red-head- 
ed Chief  (Clarke)  adopted  the  child  thus  rudely  issued 
into  the  world,  and  on  his  return  to  St.  Louis  took  the 
infant  with  him,  and  baptized  it  John  Baptist  Clarke 
Chapineau.  After  a  careful  culture  of  his  mind,  the 
boy  was  sent  to  Europe  to  complete  his  education. 
But  the  Indian  was  inetfaceable  in  him.  The  Indian 
lodge  and  his  native  mountain  fastnesses  possessed 
greater  charms  than  the  luxuries  of  civilized  life.  He 
returned  to  the  desert  and  passed  his  days  with  his 
tribe.  Mary,  the  mother  of  the  child,  was  a  Crow, 
very  pleasing  and  intelligent,  and  may  have  been,  for 
aught  I  know,  connected  with  some  of  my  many  rela- 
tives in  that  tribe.  It  was  in  honor  of  this  event,  and 
to  perpetuate  her  memory,  that  the  river  received  its 


''Pf 


for  a  few 
I  of  scen- 
ient  unu- 
my  ncar- 
j  summer 
bat  social 

issociated 
imiliar  to 
ic  St.  Ma- 
vcr  Hum- 
since  con- 
European 
J  more  po- 
'oman,  the 
ctcd  as  in- 
iring  their 
suddenly 
h  to  a  son 
Rcd-head- 
lely  issued 
s  took  the 
;ist  Clarke 
mind,  the 
education, 
'he  Indian 
possessed 
Ulife.     He 
s  with  his 
a  Crow, 
e  been,  for 
many  rela- 
event,  and 
eceived  its 


1 

i 


JAMES    P.  BECKWUI'RTII. 


52t/ 


original  name,  8t.  Mary'»^  and,  as  such,  is  still  known 
to  the  mountaineers. 


CHAPTER  XXXVIl. 

Mistakes  regarding  the  Character  of  the  Indian  — Extent  of  the  West- 
ern Tribes  — Their  Character. — How  a  War  against  them  should  be 
conducted. — Reflections. — Closing  Address  to  the  Indian  Heroine. 

As  an  American  citizen,  a  friend  of  my  race,  and  a 
sincere  lover  of  my  country,  and  also  as  one  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  Indian  character,  I  feel  that  I  can 
not  properly  conclude  the  record  of  my  eventful  life 
without  saying  something  for  the  lied  Man.  It  should 
be  remembered,  when  judging  of  their  acts,  that  they 
consider  the  country  they  inhabit  as  the  gift  of  the 
"Great  Spirit,"'  aid  they  resent  in  their  hearts  the  in- 
vasion of  the  imnngrant  just  as  much  as  any  civilized 
people  would,  if  another  nation,  without  permission, 
should  cross  tlieir  territory.  It  must  also  be  under- 
stood, that  the  Indians  believe  tlie  buffalo  to  be  theirs 
by  inheritance,  not  as  game,  but  in  the  light  of  owner- 
ship, given  to  them  by  Providence  for  their  support  and 
comfort,  and  that,  when  an  immigrant  shoots  a  buffalo^ 
the  Indian  looks  upon  it  exactly  as  the  destruction  b}' 
a  stranger  of  so  much  private  property. 

With  these  ideas  clearly  in  the  mind  of  the  reader, 
it  can  be  understood  why  the  Indian,  in  destroying  a 
cow  belonging  to  white  people,  or  stealing  a  horse,  con- 
siders himself  as  merely  retaliating  for  injuries  receiv- 
ed, repaying  himself,  in  fact,  for  what  he  has  lost. 
For  this  act  on  the  part  of  the  Red  Man,  tlie  United 
States  troops  are  often  turned  indiscriminately  upon 
ids  race ;  the  iniiocent  generally  suffer,  and  those  who 

7 


I 


;jao 


ALTUlJlUaiiAPHV    UF 


have  raised  tlic  storm  ean  not  understand  of  what  crime 
they  can  be  guilty. 

But  if*  the  government  is  determined  to  make  war 
uj)on  tlie  Western  tribes,  let  it  be  done  intelligently, 
and  so  effectually  that  inercy  Avill  temper  justice.  To 
attempt  to  chastise  Indians  with  United  States  troops 
is  simply  ridiculous;  the  expense  of  such  campaigns  is 
only  surpassed  by  their  inefhciency.  The  Indians  live 
on  horseback,  and  they  can  steal  and  drive  off  the  gov- 
ernment horses  fasten  than  it  can  bring  them  togeth- 
er. The  Indians  having  no  stationary  villages,  they 
can  travel  faster,  even  with  the  incumbrance  of  their 
lodges,  women,  and  children,  subsisting  themselves  on 
buflalo  slain  on  the  way,  than  any  force,  however  rich- 
ly appointed,  the  country  could  send  against  them.  An 
army  must  tire  out  i  i  such  a  chase  before  summer  is 
gone,  while  the  Indians  will  constantly  harass  it  with 
their  sharp-shooters,  and,  should  several  powerful  tribes 
unite — not  an  unusual  occurrence  —  many  thousand 
men  would  make  no  impression. 

It  should  also  be  recollected  by  our  officers  sent  to 
tight  in  the  Rocky  Mountains,  that  the  Indians  have 
a  mode  of  telegraphing  by  the  aid  of  robes  and  mir- 
rors, and  thus,  by  having  their  spies  stationed  at  con- 
venient distances,  they  convey  intelligence  of  the  move- 
ments of  their  enemies  at  great  distances  and  in  a  very 
few  minutes,  thus  informing  villages  whether  it  would 
be  best  to  retreat  or  not.  Some  tribes  telegraph  by 
fires  at  night,  and  by  smoke  in  the  daytime.  An  of- 
ficer might  hear  of  a  band  of  warriors  encamped  at  a 
certain  place ;  he  innnediately  makes  a  forced  march, 
and  when  his  troops  arrive  at  their  destination,  those 
same  warriors  may  be  niany  miles  in  his  rear,  en- 
camped on  his  trail. 


.lA.MES    1'.   1»K(!KW(H'I{TM. 


5:^1 


lat  crime 

lake  war 
iligcutly, 
ice.     To 
03  troops 
ipaigns  is 
Llians  live 
*  the  gov- 
n  togeth- 
gcs,  they 
e  of  their 
iselves  on 
-^ever  rich- 
them.   An 
summer  is 
,ss  it  with 
irful  tribes 
thousand 

I's  sent  to 
ilians  have 
i  and  mir- 
led  at  con- 
fthemove- 
d  in  a  very 
cr  it  would 
Icgraph  by 
c.     An  ot- 
^mped  at  a 
ced  march, 
ition,  those 
s  rear,  en- 


A  village  of  tln-ec  Imndrod  lodges  of  Crows  or  Chcy- 
ennes  could,  within  thirty  niiiuiti\s  after  receiving  an 
order  to  move,  have  all  their  lodges  struck,  the  ])olcs 
attached  to  the  horses,  and  tiieir  men,  women,  and  chil- 
dren going  at  full  speed,  and  could  thus  outstrip  the 
best  dragoons  sent  in  their  pursuit. 

I  have  seen  enough  of  Indian  treaties  find  annuities 
to  satisfy  me  that  their  effects  for  good  are  worse  tiian 
fruitless.  The  idea  formed  by  the  Indians  is  that  the 
annuities  are  sent  to  them  by  the  great  white  chief 
because  he  is  afraid  of  them,  and  wishes  to  purchase 
their  friendship.  There  arc  some  of  the  tribes — a  very 
few — who  woidd  keep  a  treaty  sacred ;  but  the  major- 
ity would  not  be  bound  by  one,  for  they  can  not  un- 
derstand their  nature.  AVlien  caught  at  a  disadvant- 
age, and  reduced  to  enter  into  a  compact,  they  would 
agree  to  any  proposals  tliat  were  offered;  but  when  th(^ 
controlling  power  is  withdrawn,  and  they  can  repeat 
their  depredations  with  apparent  impunity,  no  moral 
obligation  would  restrain  them,  and  the  treaty  that 
was  negotiated  at  so  much  cost  to  the  country  proves 
a  mere  delusion. 

The  officer  having  charge  of  an  expedition  against 
the  Indians  should  rightly  understand  which  Oruid  of 
a  tribe  he  is  commissioned  to  punish.  The  Sioiixs, 
for  instance,  which,  a  few  years  ago,  could  raise  thirty 
thousand  waniors,  are  divided  into  many  bands,  which, 
at  times,  are  hundreds  of  miles  apart.  One  band  of 
that  tribe  may  commit  a  depredation  on  the  emigrant 
road,  and  the  other  bands  not  even  have  heard  of  it : 
they  do  not  hold  themselves  amenable  for  the  misdeeds 
of  another  body  totally  distinct  from  them  in  social  re- 
lations, and  to  inflict  chastisement  upon  them  in  such 
a  case  would  be  a  manifest  injustice.  But  in  a  case 
of  extreme  dano-er  all  these  bauds  coalesce. 


r>32 


AITOIMOCJUArilY    OF 


Oilier  frihcrt  liavc  llio  saine  divisions  into  distinct 
b.'iiuls,  iuid  niiiny  arc  Iienco  led  into  the  Leliot'  that  each 
bund  is  a  tribe.  Tiie  Siouxs  r.uige  over  a  territory 
upward  of  a  thousand  miles  in  extent  from  north  to 
Houtli,  anil  their  eountry  emLraees  some  of  the  most 
beautiful  s])ots  in  the  world,  as  well  for  natural  scenery 
as  tor  extreme  j)roduetivenesH  of  soil.  The  Crows 
have  but  one  bajid  proper,  ulthougli  they  are  generally 
divided  into  two  villages,  as  being  a  more  convenient 
arrangement  to  afford  pasture  for  their  innnensc  herds 
of  horses,  and  also  to  hunt  the  buffalo.  ]iut  these 
two  villages  arc  seldom  more  than  three  hundred  miles 
apart,  generally  nmeli  nearer;  they  come  together  at 
least  once  a  year,  and  have  fre.pient  accidental  coali- 
tions in  the  course  of  their  wanderings.  They  speak 
the  CJrovan  language,  from  which  nation  they  arc  ftn 
offshoot. 

The  Pawnees  arc  probably  the  most  degraded,  in 
point  of  morals,  of  all  iheW^estcrn  tribes;  they  are  held 
in  such  contempt  by  the  other  tribes  that  none  will 
make  treaties  with  them.  They  arc  a  populous  na- 
tion, and  arc  inveterate  against  the  whites,  killing  them 
wherever  met.  A  treaty  concluded  with  that  nation  at 
night  would  be  violated  the  next  morning.  Those  who 
on^-ao'c  in  warfare  with  the  Western  Indians  will  rc- 
member  that  they  take  no  prisoners  except  women  and 
children.  It  has  generally  been  believed  that  the  Hiouxs 
never  kill  white  men,  but  this  is  a  mistake ;  they  have 
always  killed  them.  I  have  seen  white  men's  scalps 
in  their  hands,  and  many  still  fresh  hanging  in  the 
smoke  of  their  lodges. 

The  Western  Indians  have  no  hummocks  or  ever- 
glades to  fight  among,  but  they  have  their  boundless 
prairies  to  weary  an  army  in,  and  the  fastnesses  of  the 


.jA.Mi:s  I'.  nKCKWuLiaii. 


r>ni) 


distinct 
llJlt  fiicli 
territory 
north  to 
he  111  OH  t 
I  scenery 
c  Crows 
generally 
mvenient 
ISC  herds 
Jut  these 
red  miles 
igcther  at 
ital  coali- 
ley  speak 
ey  arc  an 

jraded,  in 
y  arc  held 
none  will 
ulcus  na- 
iling them 
nation  at 
.'hose  who 
IS  will  rc- 
ronien  and 
he  Hiouxs 
they  have 
ill's  scalps 

no:  in  the 
o 

:s  or  cver- 
boundless 
sscs  of  the 


Uocky  jMountainH  to  retreat  to.  Shoiihl  a  majority  of 
iliosc  powerful  nations  coalesce  in  dcteiise  against  one 
common  enemy,  it  would  be  tiie  worst  Indian  war — 
the  most  costly  in  blood  and  treasure  that  the  nation- 
al government  has  ever  entered  into.  The  coalition 
tribes  could  bring  two  hundred  and  tifty  thousand  war- 
riors against  any  hostile  force,  and  1  know  I  am  greatly 
within  the  limits  of  trutli  in  assigning  that  number 
to  them. 

If  it  is  the  policy  of  government  to  utterly  extermi- 
nate the  Indian  race,  the  most  expeditious  manner  of 
effecting  this  ought  to  be  the  one  adopted.  1'hc  in- 
troduction of  whisky  among  the  lied  jNleii,  under  the 
connivance  of  government  agents,  leads  to  the  demor- 
alization and  consequent  extermination,  by  more  pow- 
erful races,  of  thousands  of  Indians  annually.  Still, 
this  infernal  agent  is  not  cflcctual ;  the  Indians  dimin- 
ish in  numbers,  but  with  comparative  slowness.  The 
most  direct  and  speedy  mode  of  clearing  the  land  of 
the;...  would  be  by  the  simple  means  of  starvation — by 
depriving  them  of  their  hereditary  sustenance,  the  buf- 
falo. To  ctfect  this,  send  an  army  of  hunters  among 
them,  to  root  out  and  destroy,  in  every  possible  man- 
ner, the  animal  in  question.  They  can  shoot  them, 
poison  tlicni,  dig  pit-falls  for  them,  and  resort  to  num- 
berless other  contrivances  to  efface  the  devoted  animal, 
which  serves,  it  would  seem,  by  the  wealth  of  his  car- 
cass, to  preserve  the  Indian,  and  thus  impede  the  ex- 
panding development  of  civilization. 

To  light  the  Indians  vi  ct  annis,  the  government 
could  employ  no  such  effectual  means  as  to  take  into 
its  service  five  hundred  mountaineers  for  the  space 
of  one  year,  and  any  one  tribe  of  Indians  that  they 
should  fall  foul  of  could  never  survive  the  contest. 


r,:\4 


AITOUKHniAIMIY    (►K 


Suoli  men,  employed  tor  tliat  purpose,  would  have  no 
enciimljiJiiice  from  supcrlluous  bauigagc  to  impede  them 
iu  ji  pursuit  or  a  retreat  over  their  illimitable  plaiuH. 
The  mode  of  lite  of  a  mountaineer  just  tits  him  for  an 
Indian  tighter,  and  if  he  has  to  submit  to  privation,  and 
put  up  with  an  empty  eommissariat,  he  has  the  means 
of  support  always  at  hand.  He  is  so  nmeh  an  In- 
dian from  habit  that  lie  can  fight  them  in  their  own 
way:  if  they  steal  his  horses,  he  can  steal  theirs  in 
return ;  if  they  snatch  a  hasty  repose  in  the  open  air, 
it  is  all  he  asks  for  himself,  and  his  health  and  spirits 
are  fortified  with  such  regimen.  It  is  only  by  men 
possessing  the  (jualities  of  the  white  hunter,  condnned 
with  Indian  habits,  tluit  the  Indians  can  be  effectually 
and  economically  conquered. 

I  have  now  presented  a  plain,  unvarnished  state- 
ment of  the  most  noteworthy  occurrences  of  my  life, 
and,  in  so  doing,  I  have  necessarily  led  the  reader 
through  a  A'ariety  of  savage  scenes  at  which  his  heart 
must  sicken.  The  narrative,  however,  is  not  without 
its  use.  The  restless  youthful  mind,  that  wearies  with 
the  monotony  of  peaceful  every-day  existence,  and  as- 
pires after  a  career  of  wild  adventure  and  thrilling  ro- 
mance, will  find,  by  my  experience,  that  such  a  life  is 
by  no  means  one  of  comfort,  and  that  the  excitement 
which  it  affords  is  very  dearly  purchased  by  the  op- 
portunities lost  of  gaining  far  more  profitable  wisdom. 
Where  one  man  would  be  spared,  as  I  have  been,  to 
pass  through  the  perils  of  fasting,  the  encounters  with 
the  savage,  and  the  fury  of  the  wild  beasts,  and  still 
preserve  his  life,  and  attain  an  age  of  near  threescore, 
it  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  five  hundred  would  per- 
ish, with  not  a  single  loved  one  near  to  catch  his  last 
whispered  accent,  would  die  in  the  wilderness,  either  in 


.rAMKH    I'.    HKCKWOIRTII. 


tit  it  I 


I  have  no 
[u'clc  thoni 
)lc  plaiiiH. 
liin  for  m» 
'Jit  ion,  and 
tlic  means 
I'll  an  Tn- 
tlieir  own 
1  theirs  in 
J  open  air, 
and  spirits 
[y  by  men 
,  cond)incd 
eftectually 

died  state- 
of  my  life, 
the  reader 
1  his  heart 
ot  without 
Icaries  with 
cc,  and  as- 
lirilling  ro- 
2\i  a  lite  is 
excitement 
3y  the  op- 
Ic  wisdom, 
been,  to 
iters  with 
I,  and  still 
threescore, 
/^ould  per- 
il! his  last 
L  cither  in 


solitude,  or  with  the  fiendish  suvaiie  shrickiiii];  in  rovolt- 
ing  triumph  in  his  ear. 

1  now  close  the  chapter  of  my  eventful  life.  I  feel 
that  time  is  pressing;  and  tlie  reminiscences  of  the 
past,  stripped  of  all  that  was  uin)leasaiit,  come  crowd- 
ing upon  me.  My  heart  turns  naturally  to  my  adopted 
people.  I  think  of  my  son,  who  is  the  chief;  I  think 
of  his  mother,  who  went  unharmed  through  the  med- 
icine lodge;  I  think  of  Bar-chee-am-pe,  llie  brave  he- 
roine. I  sec  her,  tearful,  watching  my  departure  from 
the  banks  of  the  Yellow  Stone.  Her  nation  expects  my 
return,  that  I  may  be  buried  with  my  supposed  fathers, 
but  none  looks  so  eagerly  for  the  great  warrior  as 

PINE  LEAF,  THE  INDIAN  HEROINE. 

I've  seen  her  in  her  youthful  years  ; 

Hor  heart  was  liyht  and  free, 
llcr  black  eyes  never  diniin'd  with  tears, 

So  happy  then  was  siie. 
When  warriors  from  the  fijrht  rcturn'd. 

And  halted  for  display, 
The  trophies  that  tlic  victors  won 

She  was  first  to  bring  away. 

I've  seen  her  kiss  her  brother's  cheek 

When  he  was  called  to  go 
The  lurking  enemy  to  seek, 

Or  chase  the  buU'alo. 
She  loved  him  with  a  sister's  love  : 

He  was  the  only  son  ; 
And  "  Pine  Leaf  prized  him  far  above 

The  v/arriors'  hearts  she'd  won. 

I've  seen  her  in  her  mourning  hourfj  - 

That  brother  had  been  slain  : 
Her  head,  that  oft  was  decked  with  flowerH. 

Now  shed  its  crimson  rain  ; 
Her  bleeding  head  and  bleeding  hand — 

Her  crimson,  clotted  hair — 
Her  brother's  in  the  spirit  lnr,d. 

And  hence  her  keen  despair. 


■«»*» 


o:5G 


ArTOBIOGRArHY   OF 


I've  heard  her  make  a  solemn  vow — 

"  A  warrior  I  will  bo 
Until  a  hundred  foes  shall  bow, 

And  yield  their  scal{)s  to  me  ; 
I  will  revenge  my  brother's  death — 

I  swear  it  on  my  life, 
Or  never,  while  I  draw  a  breath. 

Will  I  become  a  wife." 

I've  seen  Iier  on  her  foaming  steed, 

With  battle-axe  in  hand. 
Pursuing  at  her  utmost  speed 

The  Black  Foot  and  Shi-an. 
I've  seen  her  wield  her  polished  lance 

A  hundred  times  and  more, 
When  chp'ging  fierce  in  the  advance 

Amid  the  battle's  roar. 

I've  seen  her  with  her  scalping-knife 

Spring  on  the  fallen  foe. 
And,  ere  he  was  yet  void  of  life, 

Make  sure  to  count  her  coo. 
I've  seen  her,  at  full  speed  again, 

Oft  draw  her  trusty  bow. 
Across  her  arrow  take  good  aim, 

And  lay  a  warrior  low. 


I  I 


I've  heard  her  say,  "  I'll  take  my  shield, 

My  battle-axe,  and  bow. 
And  follow  you,  through  glen  or  field. 

Where'er  you  dare  to  go ; 
ril  rush  amid  the  blood  and  strife 

Where  any  warrior  leads  :"' 
Pine  Leaf  would  choose  to  lose  her  life 

Amid  such  darin"  deeds. 


!| 


I've  heard  her  say,  "  The  spirit  land 
Is  where  my  thoughts  "ncline. 

Where  I  can  grasp  my  brother's  hand. 
Extended  now  for  mine. 

There's  nothing  now  in  this  wide  world- 
No  tie.s  that  bid  me  stay  ; 

But,  a  broken-hearted  Indian  girl, 
I  weep  both  night  and  day 


JAMES    P.  liKCKWOITRTir. 

'•  He  tolls  mo  in  my  midnight  dreams 

I  must  rcvcnfre  his  fall, 
Then  conio  where  flowers  and  cooling  streams 

Surround  their  spirits,  all. 
lie  tells  me  that  the  hunting-ground, 

So  far  away  on  high. 
Is  filled  with  warriors  all  around 

Who  nobly  hero  did  die. 

"  Ho  says  that  all  is  joy  and  mirth 

Where  the  Great  S[)irit  lives, 
And  joy  that's  never  known  on  earth 

He  constantly  receives. 
No  brother  to  revenge  his  wrontrg 

The  war-path  is  my  road  : 
A  few  more  days  I'll  sing  his  songs, 

Then  hie  to  his  abode." 

I've  hoard  hor  say,  "  I'll  be  your  bride  ; 

You"vc  waited  long,  I  know  ; 
A  hundred  foes  by  me  have  died, 

By  my  own  hand  laid  low. 
'lis  for  my  nation's  good  J  wed  ; 

For  I  would  still  be  free 
Tntil  T  slumber  with  the  dead  ; 

i3ut  I  will  marry  thee." 

And  when  I  left  the  heroine, 

A  tear  stood  in  her  eye 
As  hi.st  I  held  hor  hand  in  mine. 

And  whispered  a  good-by. 

OIj,  will  you  soon  return  again?" 

The  heroine  did  say  ; 
"  ^'.•s,  vvhen  the  green  grass  <lecks  the  p    in," 

I  >*aid,  and  came  away. 


537 


Tin:    KXI). 


